Ministry of Justice stalls decision on double-up in temporary prison cells
The Ministry of Justice says no final ruling has been made on placing two inmates in single-occupancy rapid deployment cells as a response to the prison capacity crisis.
Facing a capacity shortfall that exceeds its official limit, the Ministry of Justice has indicated that a final decision on using rapid deployment cells for double occupancy has not been reached. Leaked documents suggest the Prison Service may ask governors at ten category C prisons in England and Wales to install second beds in these steel-framed units, which were intended as short-term solutions and can add 476 spaces.
A ministry spokesperson said the government is exploring every option to keep dangerous offenders locked up, but any doubling-up would be limited to safe locations. Prison reform groups warn the move could exacerbate overcrowding, while prison officials stress the need for risk assessments and adequate staffing before any changes are made.
Why it matters
Overcrowding threatens safety for inmates and staff, and the decision could shape future prison policy.
In this story
