Lord Chancellor Alex Norris today announced a package of measures aimed at improving prison security, reducing drug use, and helping offenders find work and stable accommodation. These initiatives are part of broader efforts to cut crime and reduce reoffending.
The plans include the next phase of a £6.5 million UK Research Innovation investment focused on developing tools to counter drones around prisons. Technology firms are invited to bid for up to £900,000 to test new solutions designed to protect staff and prevent contraband smuggling. In the year to March 2026, 1,497 drone incidents were recorded at prisons in England and Wales.
Additionally, drug recovery units will be expanded to a further 12 prisons by the end of 2027/28, increasing the total to 100 units across the prison estate. These specialist units aim to help offenders address substance abuse.
Plans were also set out to improve offenders' access to work and stable housing. A new skills programme will connect offender training directly with jobs and work experience in the construction sector. A new digital service, Find and Manage Accommodation, will be rolled out nationally to assist prison and probation staff in finding suitable housing for offenders.
Changes to Community Payback will prioritise tough, visible projects nominated by local people, such as cleaning graffiti and improving public spaces. More than 1.1 million hours of Community Payback were completed in the three months to December 2025.