Population pressures and poor infrastructure at HMP Pentonville, but some progress being made
With 63% of HMP Pentonville’s population on remand and largely inadequate preparation for release, the prison’s problems continue, says the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) in its 2023-24 annual report published today (29 October 2024).
In July 2024, the new Justice Secretary warned of “the total collapse of the prison system…without urgent action to ease prison overcrowding”[1]. The IMB has visited Pentonville on days when there has not been a single spare bed and witnessed staff under acute pressure to make every single cell available even in the face of major decency and infrastructure challenges.
The Board further comments that:
- maintenance and repair of the prison’s crumbling fabric is still not well managed by GFSL (the government facilities manager). The decrepit state of the prison remains a serious concern due to its impact on prisoners.
- due to inadequate pest control, rats invaded the kitchen. The IMB reported the prison to Environmental Health and the kitchen was closed for three months.
- the strain on an already over-stretched Offender Management Unit, dealing with the multiple government-imposed measures taken to manage overcrowding has led to a sub-standard service for prisoners.
However, it is pleased to report that:
- dedicated and proactive staff have made welcome improvements to the reception and early days in custody wing.
- regular prisoner ‘platform’ meetings between key staff and prisoner representatives have provided a structured and inclusive environment for open discussion about ways to improve the prison regime.
- the flagship neurodiverse wing has continued to flourish and provided much needed extra support to particularly vulnerable prisoners.
IMB Pentonville’s Co-Chairs Alice Gotto and Camilla Poulton, said: “While some aspects of Pentonville’s custodial offering have improved, it remains the case that inadequate investment and ongoing neglect of the ageing buildings means prisoners are living in unacceptable conditions and the opportunity for meaningful rehabilitation is diminished. We urge the new government to take heed and commit to reduce the numbers being held at Pentonville as a matter of urgency.”