In-Cell Sanitation

The National Council for Independent Monitoring Boards has published "Slopping Out?" - a report on the lack of in-cell sanitation

Prisons: In-cell Sanitation: Question in House of Lords asked by Lord Ramsbotham in response to National Councils publication

 

Prisoners’ Earnings Act 1996

This fifteen year old legislation remained on the statute book, but not brought into force, until an order made in July implemented it with effect from 26th September this year. Its effect is to allow the earnings of prisoners on day release and undertaking paid work outside the prison to be subject to a levy which will then be applied to specified purposes. 40% of a prisoner’s net earnings (that is after tax, national insurance and any payments under court orders) above £20 per week may be deducted. The Ministry of Justice estimates that up to £1 million a year will be taken from prisoners’ earnings and will then be used to fund services for victims of crime. The money will go to the national charity, Victim Support.

The deduction is discretionary, not mandatory, but is likely to apply to all prisoners caught by the provision except those working for less than a month before release. It is probable that only open prisons will be affected, though the law applies to any prison or young offender institution. Prisoners should be given a monthly statement showing their earnings and what has been deducted. Any complaints about the application of the new law will be dealt with under the existing complaints system. The detailed operation of the new arrangements is set out in PSI 48/2011.

This provision does not affect the earnings of those prisoners not on day release, but clause 103 of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill, which will begin its Committee stage in the Commons in October, will replace and extend the 1996 Act. If that becomes law, all prisoners’ earnings could then be subject to deductions.

Will this effect your prison let us know if you have any concerns