The state of prisons

Fact checks relating to the UK prison services, number of prison officers and budgets

8 February 2016

The rising prison population

The prison population was about 45,000 in England and Wales in 1990 and 1991 and is now about 86,000.

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The rising prison population
8 February 2016

Does re-offending cost £13 billion a year?

That's the upper range of an estimate for 2007/08.

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Does re-offending cost £13 billion a year?
8 February 2016

Self-harm and suicides in jail

We check the Prime Minister's figures on self-inflicted deaths and injuries in prison.

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Self-harm and suicides in jail
8 February 2016

How many prisoners re-offend within a year of release?

Close to half of all prisoners in England and Wales will commit another criminal offence within a year of being released.

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How many prisoners re-offend within a year of release?
16 June 2015

Two prisoners to a cell designed for one: how many are living in overcrowded conditions?

Two prisoners occupy a cell intended for one. How many are living in 'crowded accommodation'? Some prisons have been counting only one prisoner.

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Two prisoners to a cell designed for one: how many are living in overcrowded conditions?

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