The Interim Chair of the Independent Monitoring Board recently wrote to HMPPS to raise serious concerns over the impact of heatwaves on people in prison.
The letter addressed the effect of extreme heat on prisoners and staff alike, particularly the elderly, ill and disabled, and those living in poorly ventilated accommodation. It also highlighted inconsistencies across the prison estate, including reports that some prisons were charging prisoners for fans while others provided them free of charge.
HMPPS then responded:
‘HMPPS recognises that climate change presents a significant risk to prisons, particularly through more frequent and intense heatwaves. The MOJ is adopting a climate adaptation approach that seeks to strengthen the resilience of prison buildings and operations, ensure continuity of services during extreme weather, and better protect the health, safety and welfare of prisoners and staff.
There is currently no national policy requiring prisons to provide fans free of charge to all prisoners, nor is there a nationally prescribed charging approach.’
To read the full letter from the IMB, click here.
To read the full response from HMPPS, click here.