Prison Reform Trust response to government proposals on incentives and earned privileges

Commenting on the government’s proposed reforms to the Incentives and Earned Privileges (IEP) scheme, Juliet Lyon, Director of the Prison Reform Trust, said:

“Tough political talk, budget cuts and reduced staffing levels are all piling pressure on prisons and prisoners. However new proposals to focus on the first two weeks in custody, the riskiest time for vulnerable people, present an opportunity to ensure proper induction and enable prisoners to make best use of their time behind bars.

“Research shows that the first two weeks in prison can be hardest for prisoners when they are at greatest risk of suicide and self harm. High numbers of people in prison with learning disabilities, mental health problems and drug and alcohol addictions need information and support to comply with prison rules and regimes.

“Prisons should be about doing time rather than wasting time. No one wants people locked in their cells all day watching TV. But it’s important not to confuse toughness with effectiveness. Harsh words may catch headlines but will do nothing to reduce unacceptably high reoffending rates. In a bleak prison environment privilege is such a misleading word. What we are talking about is the chance to make some use of your sentence, take responsibility and help others in the same boat. The challenge is to change an overcrowded under resourced system, where those few employed can expect to work 10 or 11 hours a week for less than £1 an hour, to one which focuses on constructive activity, resettlement and rehabilitation.”

Click here to read the Prison Reform Trust submission to the review