Thousands of prison cells to close over fire safety issues across England and Wales
Iain Hoey
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Fire safety risks prompt closure of prison cells
Thousands of prison cells in England and Wales are expected to be taken out of use due to fire safety concerns, according to reports by Sky News.
The closures follow identified safety issues at several prisons, including HMP Durham, Risley, and Swaleside, where fire risks require urgent remedial work.
Temporary fire safety measures are being implemented in some prisons, such as the use of domestic smoke detectors and additional fire watch staff.
A Prison Service spokesperson said: “We have a rolling programme of maintenance works across the prison estate, to ensure cells are safe and secure.
“The safety of staff and prisoners is our top priority and we will always take steps to ensure the risk of fire is managed appropriately.”
Closures highlight wider infrastructure challenges
The closure of HMP Dartmoor in the summer due to radon gas further illustrates the broader challenges in maintaining ageing prison infrastructure.
The government has already introduced an early release scheme, allowing some prisoners to leave custody after serving 40% of their sentence, down from 50%. This is aimed at mitigating capacity pressures while repairs and refurbishments take place.
£2.3bn investment for new spaces underway
The government has pledged £2.3bn to create 14,000 new prison spaces by 2031 as part of its Prison Capacity Strategy.
This includes 6,400 spaces across new prisons in Lancashire, Yorkshire, Buckinghamshire, and Leicestershire, alongside 6,400 spaces in new wings at existing prisons.
In addition, 1,000 rapid deployment temporary cells and another 1,000 refurbished spaces are planned.
Warnings over capacity shortfall
Despite these plans, the National Audit Office (NAO) has warned that the current expansion will not meet future demand.
The NAO estimates a shortfall of over 12,000 prison spaces by 2027.
The Ministry of Justice forecasts the prison population could reach 105,000 by March 2029.
Andrea Coomber of the Howard League for Penal Reform criticised the focus on new spaces, saying: “We cannot build our way out of this crisis.
“The billions of pounds earmarked for opening new jails would be better invested in securing an effective and responsive probation service, working to cut crime in the community.”
Fire safety concerns force closure of thousands of prison cells in England and Wales: Summary
Thousands of prison cells across England and Wales are being closed due to fire safety risks, with prisons like HMP Durham, Risley, and Swaleside undergoing urgent repairs.
Temporary measures, including domestic smoke detectors and additional fire watch staff, are being implemented in affected facilities.
The closures add pressure to the prison system, prompting the government to expand its early release scheme.
As part of its £2.3bn strategy, the government plans to create 14,000 new prison spaces by 2031.
However, the National Audit Office warns that this expansion will be insufficient to meet growing demand, with an estimated shortfall of 12,000 spaces by 2027.
Critics argue that investment should focus on community probation services to reduce crime and alleviate pressure on prisons.
