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Drugs, violence and poor accommodation standards hinder rehabilitative efforts at HMP/YOI Norwich

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HMP/YOI Norwich

The Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) at Norwich prison has highlighted that the failing infrastructure of the prison and high levels of violence and drug use are undermining the positive rehabilitation work undertaken by prison staff. In its 2024-25 annual report (published 7 October 2025) the IMB expresses the following concerns:

  • Some of the buildings are in a poor state of repair, with leaking roofs and boilers breaking down during the winter, leading to prisoners requiring extra blankets and sleeping in their clothes to keep warm.
  • Prisoner pay has fallen behind rates of inflation leading to pockets of extreme poverty among those who do not have a private income. This has created more opportunities for intimidation and violence.
  • The good work of the reducing reoffending team has been undermined by the lack of available accommodation for men on release, with 25% of men released homeless in January 2025.
  • Despite steps taken by the prison to address the ingress of illicit items, the lack of effective perimeter cameras and other security devices has resulted in regular discoveries of mobile phones, USB sticks, drugs and other such illicit items.

However, the Board is pleased to report that:

  • Despite staff shortages and challenging conditions, staff continue to work hard and remain committed to providing a humane environment for prisoners.
  • The reducing reoffending team is doing some excellent work supporting prisoners into work post-custody and creating strong links with local employers.

Tony, IMB Norwich Chair said:

“Despite the efforts of staff at HMP/YOI Norwich, improving outcomes for prisoners without significant investment being made in the infrastructure of the building and the availability of accommodation on release is challenging.

In addition to this, the Board anticipates that the recently announced change in rules governing foreign national workers is going to have an adverse effect on the number of prison officers at the prison. The Board will continue to monitor the impact of this closely in the upcoming reporting year.”