Leadership push for improvement at HMP Pentonville undermined by overcrowding and crumbling buildings

With unsanitary and overcrowded accommodation, and largely inadequate preparation for release, the conditions in which prisoners must live are inhumane and contribute to mental health issues, self-harm and violence, says the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) for HMP Pentonville in its 2024-25 annual report, published on 2 October 2025.

The IMB notes that:

• cells for new arrivals to prison were often lacking basic equipment, including pillows and kettles, and prisoners were not always given the chance to make a phone call to a loved one on arrival.
• there are infestations of rats, mice, cockroaches and flies in cells and common areas.
• multiple government-imposed measures to reduce prison overcrowding impacted on the prison’s ability to process sentences and communicate with prisoners in a timely fashion, causing much anxiety and frustration.

However, it is also pleased to report that:

• there was an increased focus on violence reduction this reporting year, with an increase of seven members of staff including a new manager.
• the neurodiverse wing has continued to flourish and provided much needed extra support to particularly vulnerable prisoners.
• the long-awaited move of prisoners accused or convicted of sexual offences from across the prison to their own dedicated wing took place in January, setting them up for a more predictable day-to-day regime.

IMB Pentonville Chair, Jocelyn Hillman, said: “While some aspects of Pentonville’s custodial offering have improved, it remains the case that overcrowding and inadequate investment in the ageing buildings means prisoners are living in unacceptable conditions and the opportunity for meaningful rehabilitation is diminished. We urge the new Secretary of State for Justice to take heed and ensure that these concerns are urgently addressed.”