Prisoner disability support

The Director and Head of Healthcare

The Director and Head of Healthcare should ensure that: corrective visual aids are made available as a priority to prisoners who need them for daily living activities; and prisoners are seen by the optician within the timelines set out in …

The Governor and Head of Healthcare

The Governor and Head of Healthcare should ensure that where a prisoner requires special accommodation or equipment for medical or social care reasons, this is formally authorised and recorded.

The Governor

The Governor should ensure that officers record when a prisoner refuses a meal, record the reason for the prisoner’s refusal and offer the prisoner a doctor’s appointment.

The Governor

The Governor should ensure that staff follow the guidance in the Food Refusal Strategy when a prisoner refuses or fails to take food or fluid.

The Governor and Head of Healthcare

The Governor and Head of Healthcare should ensure that staff manage a prisoner who is refusing food in line with national guidelines.

The Governor and Head of Healthcare

The Governor and Head of Healthcare should ensure that all staff undertaking and reviewing risk assessments for prisoners taken to and admitted to hospital understand the legal position, that assessments fully take into account prisoners’ health and are based on …

The Governor and Head of Healthcare

The Governor and Head of Healthcare should ensure that all staff undertaking risk assessments for prisoners who are attending hospital appointments: • complete the risk assessment documents in full, clearly setting out their rationale for the decisions; and • understand …

The Governor

The Governor should introduce a standalone comprehensive debt strategy which is communicated to and understood by all staff, including providing appropriate support and intervention to prisoners where there are any concerns about debt.

Lincoln (2020)

HMP Lincoln, a Category B local prison, generally treats prisoners fairly and humanely, with a predictable regime and improved cleanliness, according to the IMB's report for 2019-2020. Key improvements include reduced violence, better staff-prisoner relationships, and improved healthcare and education provision. However, significant concerns persist regarding the high level of self-harm, prisoner homelessness on release, and ongoing maintenance issues affecting accessibility and facilities.

PRISON Key concerns

Hewell (2020)

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted HMP Hewell, leading to a full lockdown, 23.5-hour cell confinement, and cessation of most activities. While staff are commended for averting a direct catastrophic impact from the virus and improving cleanliness, concerns remain regarding prisoner welfare, mental health, and rehabilitation. The prison saw leadership changes and continued a journey of improvement after years of poor performance, with some areas showing progress despite ongoing challenges in safety, healthcare provision, and regime delivery.

PRISON Key concerns

South and East 2023-24 Short Term Holding Facilities (STHF) (2024)

The IMB's annual report for South and East Short-Term Holding Facilities (STHFs) highlights significant concerns regarding the welfare and humane treatment of detainees. The Board notes critical issues such as chronic overcrowding, particularly at Luton Airport, posing fire safety risks and leading to undignified sleeping conditions. Despite repeated recommendations, the report expresses disappointment over the lack of progress on disability access, persistent maintenance problems, and prolonged detention of individuals beyond 24 hours in unsuitable environments. While commending staff dedication, the IMB underscores the urgent need for improvements in accommodation, healthcare provision at Lunar House, and the efficiency of transfer services.

PRISON Key concerns

Rye Hill (2020)

HMP Rye Hill, a Category B training prison for men convicted of sexual offences, operated at or near its maximum capacity of 664 during the reporting year. The IMB found the prison to be a generally safe and fair environment, with improvements in healthcare provision and staff stability. However, significant concerns persist regarding the inadequate provision for elderly and disabled prisoners, the protracted process for compassionate release, and the lack of specialist support and resettlement opportunities for IPP and other complex needs prisoners.

PRISON Key concerns

Peterborough (Women) (2020)

This annual report for HMP/YOI Peterborough (Women) highlights overall fair and humane treatment of prisoners, with a good regime offering ample time out of cell. Positive developments include improved safety resources, healthcare governance, and the successful rollout of the OMiC programme. Key concerns, however, persist regarding the lack of suitable accommodation on release, challenges in managing women with complex needs, and a significant rise in self-harm incidents.

PRISON Key concerns

Winchester (2020)

HMP/YOI Winchester made consistent progress in improving performance during a turbulent year, moving from 'serious concern' to 'concern'. The Board commended efforts in operational grip, cleanliness, and staff-prisoner interaction, alongside improvements in self-harm management and a new reception scheme. However, the dilapidated Victorian infrastructure, especially the CSU, posed significant safety and humane treatment challenges, while high rates of violence and issues with healthcare access due to staff shortages and escort availability remained key concerns.

PRISON Key concerns

Sudbury (2020)

HMP/YOI Sudbury, an open Category D resettlement prison, generally maintained a safe environment with low self-harm and violence rates during a challenging reporting year ending May 2020, impacted significantly by the COVID-19 pandemic. While the prison demonstrated strong commitment to family ties and successful accommodation on release, it faced considerable disruption in education provision and concerns regarding resettlement planning for prisoners with shorter sentences. The Board also highlighted issues around accessibility for disabled prisoners and the need for more robust policies for managing future public health crises.

PRISON Key concerns

Whatton (2025)

HMP Whatton, a Category C prison for sexual offenders, maintained an average population of 836. The IMB praised the safe environment, positive staff-prisoner relationships, and improvements in education and family contact. Key concerns include the persistent challenges faced by IPP prisoners, critical under-resourcing impacting the estate and services, and delays in transfers to Category D prisons. Outdated healthcare facilities and accessibility issues for prisoners with mobility problems also remain significant areas for development.

PRISON Key concerns

Sudbury (2020)

Prisoners with physical and mental health disabilities are sometimes disadvantaged, in terms of accessing employment and educational opportunities within the prison. How does the prison plan to address this?

Governor / Director

Manchester (2021)

The Board has also observed a case of a prisoner with learning difficulties and would like to clarify what the provisions are for such prisoners? The prisoner has learning difficulties and very low IQ and has been waiting for a suitable facility for over a year whilst being managed between healthcare and segregation units in the jail.

Governor / Director

Littlehey (2021)

The Board believes that appropriate accommodation for the aged and disabled prison population needs to be a significant consideration in the final decision of the replacement for G wing.

Ministry of Justice

Garth (2021)

There is a growing number of older prisoners, many of whom are in need of mobility and other aids. Presently there is confusion about who should provide these aids and this matter needs urgent attention because it impacts increasingly upon budgets.

HMPPS

Erlestoke (2021)

Will the Minister consider providing more facilities to meet the needs of those within the autistic spectrum, unsuitable for location in a normal prison environment?

Ministry of Justice

Birmingham (2021)

How will the Prison Service plan a more coordinated, consistent and fair system of recording and tracking provision for prisoners with autism and learning difficulties, and how will they ensure that staff are fully trained and competent at recognising, working and interacting with prisoners with these conditions?

HMPPS

Hewell (2022)

Continue to seek investment/funding opportunities to improve the physical building, in particular facilities for prisoners who have disabilities and accessibility needs.

Governor / Director

Foston Hall (2022)

Carers for disabled prisoners who need help to prepare for bed are unable to enter the establishment after 7pm (see paragraph 6.4.3)

Governor / Director

Erlestoke (2022)

How will the lack of suitably adapted cells for disabled people be addressed?

Governor / Director

Bedford (2022)

Facilities for disabled people in HMP Bedford are woefully lacking and as it deals with an ageing prison population, more cells will need to be adapted for disabilities.

HMPPS

Gartree (2023)

As the prison population continues to rise and age, the fabric of the buildings continues to cause problems with disability access for elderly and disabled prisoners. Even on Gartree’s dedicated over 50s wing, there are not enough cells large enough to accommodate all wheelchair access requirements and full accessibility. What alternative provisions for this population are being considered?

Ministry of Justice

Foston Hall (2023)

Disabled prisoners have not been able to access upper floor classrooms, which prevents their participation in the full range of education provision. When will there be a solution?

Governor / Director

Erlestoke (2023)

How will the lack of suitably adapted cells for disabled people be addressed?

Governor / Director

Durham (2024)

Last year we asked, ‘What plans does the Prison Service have to improve the number of accessible cells for ageing or disabled prisoners?’ What investment do you intend to make within a reasonable time scale to improve prison experience for disabled prisoners?

HMPPS

Ashfield (2024)

With the large number of elderly prisoners in the custodial estate (particularly in prisons such as Ashfield), cases of dementia and terminal illness requiring 24-hour care are increasing. The specific needs of these prisoners cannot be adequately met in normal prison conditions. What plans does the Prison Service have for addressing this issue through the creation of special custodial centres?

HMPPS

Stocken (2025)

With the ageing prison population, when are more cells suitable for those with disability or mobility issues going to be made available? Even on the new wing opened last year, there are no ‘disabled’ cells, only two ‘low mobility’ cells, which can’t accommodate a hospital bed.

HMPPS

Sudbury (2020)

Will the temporary single accommodation introduced as part of the COVID-19 measures be fully accessible?

Governor / Director

North Sea Camp (2020)

Address the fact that residents who use wheelchairs find it extremely difficult to obtain accommodation at Approved Premises.

HMPPS

Littlehey (2020)

When will the Prison Service build or adapt buildings and cells to make them suitable for those with disabilities and/or those with complex health needs who require specialist equipment?

HMPPS

Lancaster Farms (2020)

There is a lack of wheelchairs to support prisoners with reduced mobility accessing health care and other amenities. Certain cases have illustrated difficulties of working with external agencies for the support and potential release of those with palliative care needs (see paragraphs 8.5 and 8.9).

Governor / Director

Foston Hall (2020)

There is a need for a specific sentence planning route, and intervention pathway for prisoners with autism (see paragraph 4.4.2).

HMPPS

Winchester (2021)

What is the prison service’s plan to ensure that prisoners with mobility challenges have access to all parts of the prison, including the entrance and cells? (See sections 3.2, 4.1, 5.1).

HMPPS

Lancaster Farms (2021)

To review and increase the availability of wheelchairs for those prisoners with restricted mobility (paragraph 6.4.3).

Governor / Director

Frankland (2021)

Given the ageing prison population and a growing number of prisoners being diagnosed with dementia, can consideration now be given to providing an appropriate physical environment for this group of prisoners along with suitably qualified care workers (para 6.4)?

Ministry of Justice

Brixton (2021)

Better living conditions appropriate for frail men and those with mobility impairments is urgently required.

HMPPS

Bristol (2021)

What initiatives – for example, training for prison staff – are planned to improve outcomes for prisoners with neurodivergent conditions, which, as we have observed and a recent review outlined, impacts their ability to engage?

Ministry of Justice

Wayland (2022)

The Board recommends that the concept of a buddy system within the prison for those prisoners who may be mobility-compromised or in need of a degree of personal care is researched and supported.

Governor / Director

Swaleside (2022)

The continued occupancy of the life limited room in healthcare by one paraplegic prisoner whose needs are different, whilst there are a number of other prisoners who qualify for the use of this room requires urgent resolution.

HMPPS

North Sea Camp (2022)

There are some areas of the prison inaccessible to prisoners with physical disabilities, especially those who use wheelchairs.

Governor / Director

Long Lartin (2022)

Will the Prison Service provide assurance that prisoners who need to use wheelchairs will not be transferred in when no suitable cells are available?

HMPPS

Nottingham (2023)

To address, with all necessary agencies, the provision of services and accommodation for prisoners with disabilities.

Governor / Director

London STHF (2023)

The Board would like to see C&C staff trained to deal with wheelchair users, to ensure that detained people with disabilities have equal access to the facilities available in the holding rooms.

Other

Liverpool (2023)

There is a lack of accessible cells for prisoners with disabilities at HMP Liverpool. What action will the Prison Service take to ensure that prisoners with disabilities and accessibility needs have appropriate accommodation?

HMPPS

Lincoln (2023)

Given the issues associated with the Victorian infrastructure of the prison, what alternative provisions are being considered for the increasing numbers of frail elderly, particularly those with dementia, end of life care and disabled prisoners?

HMPPS

High Down (2023)

What can the prison do to improve accessibility for prisoners with mobility issues so they are able to access healthcare and exercise?

Governor / Director

Frankland (2023)

With the new band 6 dedicated neurodiversity support manager in position, when will there be an additional training programme to develop specialist wing staff to work with prisoners who have dementia and autism?

Governor / Director

Berwyn (2023)

The Board would like to see more programmes for people with learning difficulties.

Governor / Director

Woodhill (2024)

Will the Minister work with colleagues in the Department of Health and Social Care to address the needs of neurodiverse prisoners?

Ministry of Justice

Usk and Prescoed (2024)

How will the Minister address the issue of access to support for personal social care for the increasing number of prisoners with limited mobility and other disabilities?

Ministry of Justice

Thameside (2024)

While we acknowledge the current plans to ensure the houseblock lifts are repaired promptly, the lifts in the education block and chaplaincy building have not been prioritised during the reporting year. This has resulted in no access to these areas for some prisoners with mobility issues. How will the Director ensure that these prisoners are not excluded from using these …

Governor / Director

South and East 2023-24 Short Term Holding Facilities (STHF) (2024)

The Board is very disappointed that the Disability Access Review has not been completed for the second year and as noted in 3.2 and 5.3 the Minister needs to take steps to ensure that this review is completed and that any recommendations made are implemented. The current STHFs do not provide adequate support for those with limited mobility, sight or …

Other

Scotland and Northern Ireland Short-Term Holding Facilities (STHF) (2024)

We reiterate our recommendation that recommended upgrades following the Disability Access audit is implemented.

Other

Morton Hall (2024)

Can the Minister consider how to address the additional impact on the prison resource from the increase in the number of prisoners declaring a disability (5.4.6)? Will this be a priority for increased funding?

Ministry of Justice

London STHF (2024)

The Board would like to see C&C staff trained to deal with wheelchair users, to ensure that detained people with disabilities have equal access to the facilities available in the holding rooms as per the Equality Act 2010.

Other

Isle of Wight (2024)

What changes can be made to ensure there is a proactive, timely and robust system to identify and assess prisoner social care needs and ensure that prisoners understand they can self-refer?

Governor / Director

Gartree (2024)

As the age of the prison population continues to rise, the fabric of the buildings continue to cause problems with a lack of suitable access for elderly and disabled prisoners. What alternative provisions are being considered for this group of prisoners?

Ministry of Justice

Exeter (2024)

What arrangements are being made to manage an increasingly elderly and/or health-compromised population?

Governor / Director

Warren Hill (2025)

The IMB recognises that the age profile of the prisoner population is increasing. What is the Governor’s/HMPPS’s plan to accommodate elderly prisoners in a more purposeful way, including making physical adaptations to the prison to be age-friendly and ensuring appropriate care packages are in place for prisoners with social care needs?

HMPPS

Usk and Prescoed (2025)

The Minister should ensure that prisoners with limited mobility and other disabilities, particularly those who are frail or face mobility and cognitive challenges, receive timely and adequate social care, and ensure accountability for delivery is monitored.

Ministry of Justice

Norwich (2025)

Would the Governor please explain why statistics for prisoners identifying as having a disability are not analysed within use of force reports? 33% of prisoners within HMP/YOI Norwich identify as having a disability.

Governor / Director

— LP 11

We recommend that in the Prison Service nationally, for prisoners with complex and serious medical conditions, the need for ongoing use of handcuffs should be regularly reviewed, with a full assessment of risk to the public and of absconding, and that this should be clearly documented in the case notes.

HMPPS Accepted

Review into the Welfare in Detention of Vulnerable Persons — Rec 13

I recommend that people with Learning Difficulties should be presumed unsuitable for detention.

Immigration Detention

P-003873 — Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust

Mrs E complains the Trust refused a reasonable adjustment and did not let her stay on the ward with her severely disabled daughter overnight.

NHS in England Sep 2023

21-014-061 — Durham County Council

Summary: Mr X complains the Council incorrectly decided not to prosecute his former landlord for unlawful eviction. We do not find the Council at fault. However, we find the Council at fault in how it handled Mr X’s reasonable adjustments to accommodate his disability-related needs. We find this caused Mr …

LGO (Local Government & … Housing Upheld Jun 2022

21-010-250 — Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council

Summary: Mr X complains that the Council has not implemented the recommendations of the stage two investigation and review panel. The Council has not properly implemented a recommendation of the review panel. The Council has agreed to apologise to Mr X and offer a further opportunity for mediation. The Council …

LGO (Local Government & … Children S Care Services Upheld Sep 2022

21-007-837 — Devon County Council

Summary: The Council was not at fault in how it assessed Ms X’s son’s application for a Blue Badge.

LGO (Local Government & … Children S Care Services Not Upheld Mar 2022

24-008-413 — Surrey County Council

Summary: We have upheld this complaint because the Council failed to consider a complaint under the children’s statutory complaints procedure. The Council has now agreed to resolve the complaint by issuing a response without further delay. It will also apologise and offer to make a payment to the complainant to …

LGO (Local Government & … Children S Care Services Upheld Sep 2024

25-002-637 — London Borough of Hounslow

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about an unsuccessful blue badge application for a child. This is because there is insufficient evidence of fault by the Council.

LGO (Local Government & … Children S Care Services Jul 2025

25-005-452 — Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council

Summary: We will not investigate Ms X’s complaint about children’s services. We have upheld the complaint as the Council agreed to consider Ms X’s complaint through the statutory complaints procedure.

LGO (Local Government & … Children S Care Services Upheld Oct 2025

25-005-335 — Surrey County Council

LGO (Local Government & … Children S Care Services Upheld

PSOW-202106137 — Isle of Anglesey County Council

Ms A complained that Direct Payments offered by the council were insufficient, that carer assessments were not in place and that adaptation work to her property had not been progressed because she was unable to appoint an agent. The council agreed to help Ms A identify and appoint an agent, …

PSOW (Public Services Om… Local Government Feb 2022

PSOW-202204393 — Flintshire County Council

Ms X complained about the Council’s handling of social services matters concerning her son, including direct payments, assessments, and plans. The assessment found that the independent investigation commissioned at stage 2 was thorough and competent. However, there were two issues identified which did not amount to best practice. The Council …

PSOW (Public Services Om… Local Government Feb 2023

PSOW-202203615 — Flintshire County Council

Ms A complained to the Council that it had failed to appropriately assess, and meet the needs of, herself and her partner, Mr B, as carers. The Council contracted an Independent Investigator to undertake a formal Stage 2 investigation which upheld Ms A’s complaint. Ms A complained to the Ombudsman …

PSOW (Public Services Om… Local Government Mar 2023

PSOW-202310369 — Bridgend County Borough Council

Mrs P complained that Bridgend County Borough Council (“the Council”) failed to appropriately consider all relevant factors before it decided to recover full repayment of a Disabled Facilities Grant (“DFG”). She also complained that the Council did not properly explain its decision or address her statements that it had underestimated …

PSOW (Public Services Om… Local Government Upheld Sep 2024

21-010-812 — Staffordshire County Council

Summary: Ms X complained about errors and delays in the Council’s investigation of her complaint about Children’s services under the Children’s Statutory Complaints procedure. The Council was at fault. It has agreed to begin a stage 2 investigation and pay Ms X £200 in recognition of the frustration caused by …

LGO (Local Government & … Children S Care Services Upheld Feb 2022

21-017-552 — Sheffield City Council

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s decision not to renew the complainant’s Blue Badge. This is because there is insufficient evidence of fault by the Council.

LGO (Local Government & … Adult Care Services Apr 2022

21-018-746 — London Borough of Bromley

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint that the Council has not made reasonable adjustments for Mrs X in respect of a penalty charge notice as any Council fault has not caused Mrs X a significant injustice.

LGO (Local Government & … Transport And Highways Apr 2022

21-018-055 — West Sussex County Council

Summary: We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint about the Council’s decision to refuse his application for a dropped kerb. This is because there is no sign of fault by the Council.

LGO (Local Government & … Transport And Highways Apr 2022

21-018-625 — Suffolk County Council

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s decision not to renew the complainant’s Blue Badge. This is because there is insufficient evidence of fault by the Council.

LGO (Local Government & … Adult Care Services Apr 2022

21-017-930 — London Borough of Waltham Forest

Summary: We have discontinued our investigation into Mr B’s complaint about the Council’s refusal of his application for a disabled parking badge. Mr B has since reapplied and the Council is already considering his new application, so further investigation would not lead to a different outcome.

LGO (Local Government & … Adult Care Services Not Upheld Jun 2022

22-004-540 — Nottinghamshire County Council

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s Occupational Therapist failing to review adaptation works before signing them off. This is because there is not enough evidence of fault to justify an investigation.

LGO (Local Government & … Children S Care Services Jul 2022

23-016-973 — London Borough of Tower Hamlets

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about an unsuccessful application for a Freedom Pass (disability based). This is because there is insufficient evidence of fault by the Council.

LGO (Local Government & … Adult Care Services Apr 2024

23-009-270 — London Borough of Haringey

Summary: Mr X complained the Council delayed in providing replacement equipment for his son Mr G’s specialist bed, and delayed in completing adaptations in the bathroom of their house agreed under a disabled facilities grant. The Council delayed in completing the adaptations, and in providing the replacement equipment. The Council …

LGO (Local Government & … Adult Care Services Upheld May 2024

23-019-672 — Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s decision not to issue a blue badge. There is not enough evidence of faut to justify our involvement.

LGO (Local Government & … Adult Care Services May 2024

23-018-048 — City of York Council

Mr X complained the Council failed to meet its duty under the Childcare Act 2006 to ensure sufficient childcare was available for working parents. We have found no fault by the Council.

LGO (Local Government & … Children S Care Services Not Upheld Sep 2024

24-005-877 — Lancashire County Council

Summary: Miss X complains the Council failed to complete a sensory profile assessment for her child, Y and failed to complete a carers assessment for her. Miss X also complains the Council failed to provide the support in her child’s Education, Health and Care Plan, failed to complete reviews and …

LGO (Local Government & … Children S Care Services Not Upheld Sep 2025

25-005-850 — Kent County Council

Summary: We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint the Council refused him a Blue Badge. There is not enough evidence of fault to justify our involvement.

LGO (Local Government & … Adult Care Services Oct 2025

23-016-248 — Derbyshire County Council

Summary: Mr F complained about the Council’s handling of a payment for expenses he incurred. The Council made the payment into an account used for direct payments. Mr F had difficulty withdrawing the money, and when he did the audit team questioned his spending. There was fault by the Council …

LGO (Local Government & … Children S Care Services Upheld Oct 2024

201002895 — West Lothian Council

Mrs C's complaint was made on behalf of her husband, a long term wheelchair user. Mrs C complained that the house allocated by the council was not suitable for her husband's needs and they were refusing to make further adaptations. In particular, she said that the decisions being taken not …

SPSO (Scottish Public Se… Local Government Not Upheld Aug 2011

25-008-954 — West Yorkshire Combined Authority

Summary: We will not investigate Miss X’s complaint about the Council’s decision to refuse her application for a disabled person’s travel pass. This is because there is insufficient evidence of fault by the Council to warrant an investigation.

LGO (Local Government & … Transport And Highways Nov 2025

23-004-694 — London Borough of Southwark

Summary: Miss X complained about failings in respect of special educational needs, health care, safeguarding and social care for two of her children. During the course of our investigation, we found out Miss X had made a judicial review application. As a result, the Ombudsman has no jurisdiction to consider …

LGO (Local Government & … Children S Care Services Aug 2024

24-007-526 — Derbyshire County Council

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s decision to remove a disabled parking bay from outside the complainant’s home. This is because there is insufficient evidence of fault by the Council.

LGO (Local Government & … Adult Care Services Sep 2024

25-004-460 — London Borough of Tower Hamlets

Summary: We will not investigate Mrs X’s complaint about the Council’s decision to refuse her child’s application for a blue badge. This is because there is insufficient evidence of fault by the Council to warrant an investigation.

LGO (Local Government & … Children S Care Services Oct 2025