32 Accepted

In its written evidence to us, The Prison Reform Trust asserted that there was nothing...

Conclusion
In its written evidence to us, The Prison Reform Trust asserted that there was nothing in the government’s planning, short or long term, which would better prepare the prison service for a future outbreak of COVID-19 or a similar pandemic. It told us that, in the immediate future, the prison service was likely to be in an even worse position should infection rates rise.73 We asked HMPPS what plans it had in place to ensure that it was as prepared as possible if there was a second wave. HMPPS told us that it was making sure that it kept the headroom that it needed, including working with Public Health England to identify what options were available to it. This included exploring whether it could quarantine incoming prisoners more efficiently and move people out more quickly than 14 days. It assured us that it was confident that it could cope with a second wave.74 73 IPE0003 - Improving the prison estate, Prison Reform Trust, 1 July 2020 74 Qq 61, 109 20 Improving the prison estate 3 Reducing re-offending
Government Response Summary
The government agrees with the committee's observation, committing to publishing prison population projections by end 2020 and providing an update on progress and plans for temporary accommodation by April 2021. It also confirms new prisons are on track and the COVID-19 strategy for prisons is continually assessed.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government Accepted
4.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: April 2021 4.2 The department will publish prison population projections by the end of 2020 and, following this, will be in a position to forecast how the prison population is likely to change in the coming years. The projections will reflect the impact on demand as a result of various factors, including court recovery. 4.3 New prisons at Wellingborough (to be named HMP Five Wells) and Glen Parva are on track, and the 10,000 prison spaces build programme is set to be delivered by 2026. The department is continually assessing its strategy for managing COVID-19 in the prison estate based on the latest scientific advice. By April 2021, the department will provide an update on progress, including on plans for expected use of temporary accommodation.
Addressee Bodies
HM Treasury
Timeline
Recommendation age 5.9 yrs
Report published 11 Sep 2020