Drive for improvement at HMP Pentonville constrained by overcrowding and neglect of the prison estate

It’s the elephant in the room: overcrowding and inadequate investment in ageing buildings mean prisoners remain incarcerated in unacceptable conditions no matter what positive initiatives prison leaders develop, says the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) for HMP Pentonville in its 2025-26 annual report, published on 26 August 2026.

The IMB notes that:

• Damaged external cell windows continued to hinder the prison’s battle against drone-delivered drugs and other contraband
• The physical infrastructure remained completely unsuitable for delivering meaningful rehabilitation
• Some of the most mentally unwell prisoners were moved between segregation and the healthcare in-patient unit in an effort to manage their illness

However, it is pleased to report that:

• Considerable improvements have been made to the organisation and offering of care during prisoners’ first days in custody
• The offender management unit has greatly improved its tracking and data systems, reducing the risk of both early and late releases
• The focus on wider prisoner engagement in purposeful activity shows signs of improvement

IMB Pentonville Chair, Camilla Poulton, said:

“The drive and energy of prison leaders have improved standards and consistency across many aspects of life at HMP Pentonville this year. However, these local efforts are being undermined by a neglectful lack of government investment. The condition of cell windows, identified as a serious concern in 2016, is a stark example: a decade later the necessary work is still not complete.

With an ageing prison population and sentence inflation continuing unabated, we urge the new Secretary of State for Justice and Prisons Minister to take heed and address these concerns as a matter of urgency.”