The UK government’s recent budget includes a £2.3bn allocation for prison expansion, tackling overcrowding.
- HMP Millsike in Yorkshire is highlighted as a key project within this budget boost.
- Prison capacity is over 99%, with minimal additions since 2010.
- A significant £220m is designated for prison upkeep this fiscal year, increasing next year.
- Complex planning and market conditions hinder the government’s mid-2020s prison goals.
In a bid to address pressing issues of overcrowding within the UK prison system, the government has announced a substantial £2.3bn investment as part of its latest budget. This financial boost aims to expand the country’s prison capacity significantly. Highlighted within this strategy is HMP Millsike, located in Yorkshire, which has been earmarked for development.
Official documents underscore the critical occupancy levels of the prison system, with current operations running at over 99% capacity. Notably, since 2010, fewer than 500 new prison places have been created, underscoring the challenges faced in expanding the infrastructure to meet growing demands.
The budget also sets aside £220m in the current fiscal year, with an increase to £300m projected for the following year, specifically for maintenance of prison facilities. This allocation aims to ensure that existing infrastructure is preserved while new construction projects are initiated.
The government has acknowledged the hurdles encountered in its prison expansion programme initiated in 2020. A House of Commons Library report from July highlighted enduring difficulties in obtaining planning permission, with three proposed sites facing rejection. Furthermore, market conditions have been less than favourable, further complicating the realisation of these significant infrastructure projects.
Despite these challenges, the contractor Kier remains a pivotal player. Following its appointment in 2022, Kier has been spearheading the Millsike project as part of a broader £5bn expansion strategy. Their involvement is part of a larger Ministry of Justice framework, securing £294m in services, outpacing competitors ISG and Galliford Try.
The government’s substantial prison building budget underlines the urgency to address overcrowding, despite challenges.
