PRT comment: HMIP thematic report on time out of cell

Commenting on today’s thematic report on time out of cell by HM Inspectorate of Prisons, Pia Sinha, chief executive of the Prison Reform Trust said:

“Today’s report by the chief inspector reveals that many of our prisons are struggling to provide the necessary opportunities to reduce reoffending. That’s bad for prisoners and it’s bad for the communities they’ll return to. Entire days in a cell with nothing to do, where access to even basic activities like showering, exercising and speaking with loved ones is limited, not only breeds frustration and hopelessness, it limits opportunities for rehabilitation.

“Whilst the government’s attention is rightly focused on trying to ease the extreme pressures currently facing jails, overcrowding and staff shortages are deeply embedded and perpetuate these damaging conditions. It is clear that the government will need to turn its attention to meaningful reform if we are to rehabilitate our ailing prisons.”