Restricted regimes undermining positive progress made since Prison Service takeover at HMP Lowdham Grange

In its 2025-26 annual report (published 14 July 2026) the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) for HMP Lowdham Grange notes that the prison is gradually overcoming the problematic change between private contractors since the Prison Service has taken control. However, the introduction of a ‘cohorting regime’ in high security prisons nationally resulted in only half the prisoners in a wing being allowed out of their cells at any one time, leading to unstable and unpredictable regimes and growing frustration among prisoners.

The IMB reports that:

• The reduced regime meant that prisoners had less access to purposeful activity and the number of potential education hours per week fell from 22 to 11. 
• Incidents of self-harm rose to 922 throughout the reporting year, an increase of 99 from the previous reporting year. Prisoners reported that self-harm was driven by anxiety arising from an uncertain and restricted regime, as well as bullying, debt and difficulties in getting help with basic requests.
• In some cases prisoners with serious mental health conditions were held in segregation for more than 100 days as places could not be found for them in high security psychiatric hospitals.
• Missing property during transfers between wings, as well as between establishments, continued to be a source of enduring frustration, stress and anger for prisoners.  

However, the Board is pleased to report that:

• Induction processes for those arriving at the prison have improved, with all new prisoners now being met by a member of the safety team and interviewed in a private space.
• Healthcare provision has improved under Northamptonshire NHS Trust and as of January 2026, initial health assessments were taking place within five days and urgent appointments were available within 24 hours.
• Contact with families has improved with changes to the visits system and telephone charges.

IMB Chair at HMP Lowdham Grange, John Andrews, said:

“The annual report gives us the chance to raise the concerns we have to the highest level and we are asking the Prisons Minister what is being done to improve care for prisoners with serious mental health problems, who cannot be cared for adequately in prison.

We are also asking the Prison Service to take action over prisoners’ property. They are allowed very little personal property in prison, but it too frequently goes missing during transfers between prisons and between wings within the prison. It is a cause of anger and frustration which can lead to self-harm and disruptive behaviour.”