UK Faces Severe Prison Overcrowding Despite Plans for New Facilities

Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood confirms that even with 14,000 new spaces, demand for prison places will outstrip supply by 2031.

The UK government plans to build four new prisons and create 14,000 additional prison spaces by 2031, with £2.3 billion allocated over the next two years.
Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood acknowledged that the proposed expansion will not meet the rising demand, with the prison population expected to exceed 100,000 by 2029.
An independent sentencing review, led by former Justice Secretary David Gauke, will explore alternatives to custodial sentences, such as community-based penalties and electronic tagging.
Critics, including penal reform groups, argue that funds would be better spent on rehabilitation programs, legal aid, and reducing court backlogs to address the root causes of overcrowding.
Concerns have been raised about the environmental and community impact of new prisons being built on greenbelt land, designated as 'national importance' to bypass planning delays.