A government-led sentencing review is proposing an expansion of open prison placements within the UK as a measure to reduce reoffending rates and alleviate prison overcrowding. David Gauke, the former Conservative justice secretary heading the review, suggests that rehabilitating inmates through open prisons, which allow for greater freedom, is crucial.
Gauke's recommendations follow a study of Spanish prison systems, where a significant portion of inmates are placed in open facilities. These prisons permit inmates to leave for work or study, which Gauke argues better prepares them for release. He contends this approach not only saves money but also reduces the likelihood of reoffending by enabling inmates to build strong family ties, secure employment, and find stable housing upon release.
The review, launched by the government, aims to address the UK's ongoing prison overcrowding crisis. It also considers measures such as eliminating short sentences and intensifying community orders as alternatives to incarceration. The review comes as the UK government is also looking at other options after having already released 5,500 inmates early as an emergency measure to ease prison capacity.
While acknowledging that open prisons are not a complete solution, Gauke emphasizes the need for strategic changes to the justice system, rather than relying on building more prisons. He believes that decreased rates of reoffending can ultimately lead to a reduction in crime. This stance comes after the Justice Secretary also stated that building new prisons would not fully address the issue, as demand would still rise faster than supply.
Currently, there are 85,877 individuals in prisons across England and Wales, according to Ministry of Justice data. While the Ministry plans to add 14,000 prison cells by 2031, the review is expected to deliver its recommendations this spring to propose a more strategic solution to the complex issue.
