Research briefing explores need for clear strategy on Victorian prisons

The need for a clear strategy on the role, purpose and future of Victorian prisons is explored in a briefing published today (Thursday 8 August) by the University of Birmingham and the University of Bath, in partnership with the Howard League for Penal Reform.

The policy briefing, Making proper use of ‘proper prisons’? The Victorian estate and the future of the prison system, calls for the development of a comprehensive strategy for prisons, which articulates a clear and appropriate purpose for the Victorian estate within a modernising and significantly reduced prison system.

The briefing is based on findings from the Persistence of the Victorian Prison project, which explores implications of the continued operation of Victorian-era prisons.

Over 20% of people held in prison are currently held in prisons with Victorian-era accommodation. In light of the current capacity crisis in the prison system, with population figures peaking and projected to rise by up to 30% in coming years, problems caused by overcrowding are both present in and accentuated by conditions in Victorian prisons.

Frequently described as ‘crumbling’, and often seen as a microcosm of many larger issues in our prison system, Victorian prisons are known for their urban locations and cramped, overcrowded accommodation. Although intended for single occupancy, many prisons hold two people in cells designed for one.

The Victorian estate can exhibit some of the worst conditions across the prison system, with HM Inspectorate of Prisons (HMIP) frequently reporting dark, damp cells with poor ventilation and drainage.

Although it highlights the many issues with Victorian prisons, the briefing emphasises the importance of their urban locations for family and community connections, as well as their robust physical security, and layouts conducive to efficient management.

Due to capacity pressures, the briefing recommends that Victorian prisons stay in service for the time being but could be redeployed in order to limit the negative impacts of poor-quality accommodation whilst maximising the benefits of Victorian prisons’ urban locations. This could include deploying some Victorian prisons – either wholly or partially – within the Category D Open estate.

The briefing recommends reinvesting in proven infrastructure to raise living standards and reconsidering the prison assessment criteria used by HMIP. At present, HMIP assesses all prisons against the same tests for a healthy establishment - a thorough revision of the assessment criteria to account for the unique infrastructure of Victorian prisons would allow for more nuanced analysis.

Dominique Moran, Professor of Carceral Geography at the University of Birmingham, said: “Time and again, we see mentions of Victorian prisons in the news – Wandsworth, Wormwood Scrubs, Dartmoor – but little attention is given to the nature of these prisons or why they are so prominent in our news cycles.

“The new government have wasted no time in acknowledging the state of our prisons and, since the prime minister’s first press conference, issues in our prison system look set to be addressed. At this critical juncture, it is vital that the role of Victorian prisons is not overlooked.

“As the government looks into overcrowding and conditions across the system, the recommendations in this policy briefing will help shed light on where the issues lie, and what must be done to ensure that our prison population is held in decent and safe accommodation.”

Yvonne Jewkes, Professor of Criminology at the University of Bath, said: “Feared and revered, the Victorian prison holds a unique place in the public imagination. But our collective fascination belies the reality of everyday life in such institutions. With the appointment of a new government and a renewed commitment to improving our failing prison system, we now have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to examine the role of Victorian prisons and return them to places of safety and rehabilitation.”