Prison governors in England and Wales have received a warning against using unsafe cells to manage overcrowding, according to documents leaked to the BBC. A six-page letter from the Prison Governors' Association (PGA) urges members to ensure cells meet health and safety requirements and are suitable for the number of inmates.
Prison staff have told the BBC they are increasingly housing two inmates in cells designed for one, as overcrowding in the adult male estate intensifies. One governor noted that some cells have issues with heating or plumbing, making them unsuitable for occupancy.
The leaked document, titled Operational Capacity Guidance, states that it is a legal requirement under the Prisons Act 1952 and other rules for cells to be certified as adequate for health, with sufficient size, lighting, heating, ventilation, and fittings. It also specifies that the number of people in a prison must not exceed the available spaces.
The adult male prison estate is operating at 98.5% capacity, with sources indicating just over 1,200 spaces remaining for a population of around 83,400. The government plans to introduce an early release scheme next month, with approximately 4,500 offenders to be released sooner over a ten-month period to create more room.