Move more inmates to open prisons, urges ex-minister

Thousands of prisoners should be moved to open prisons to tackle overcrowding and help prepare inmates for release, a former justice secretary has said.

- AMY-CLARE MARTIN

David Gauke, who has been commissioned by the government to lead a review of sentencing policy, believes the move would save money and help reduce reoffending.

Urging ministers to look to Spain where one in four prisoners are allowed to leave prison walls during the day, he said: “We don’t make as much use of open prisons as we might do.”

Britain houses 5,143 out of 86,000 prisoners in category D jails, which have lower security and allow prisoners to spend days outside of prison on licence to work or complete education.

He told The Times: “You might spend part of your day out of a prison working and then return to sleep at night – if that gets you into the rhythm of working and the disciplines of working then that is helpful. You can start to rebuild family relationships. We know that what tends to drive rehabilitation is work, family relationships and a home.”

Category D jails are most frequently used in Britain for nonviolent offenders but are also used for those nearing the end of longer jail terms for serious crimes.

Even if the Parole Board recommends a prisoner for transfer to open conditions, the secretary of state for justice is free to reject or accept their advice.

Housing an offender in open prison costs an average of £27,348 a year, according to Ministry of Justice figures, a significant saving compared to £51,108 a year to keep them in a secure prison.