Winchester Prison has 'unacceptable' living conditions says new report

The Inspectorate of Prisons visited the facility, in Romsey Road, from November 14-16 and said that it had improved from its last inspection in February last year.

The prison, which had 630 prisoners at the time of the inspection, has seen violence levels drop 16 per cent and self-harm decreased by nearly half.

The report, by Charlie Taylor, HM Chief Inspector of Prisons, said: “When we last inspected in February 2022, we found a prison facing significant challenges, and we judged it to be one of the most violent establishments in the country. 

“The culture of the prison was one of low expectations and apathy among staff and prisoners, and difficulties with recruitment and retention meant that there were not enough staff to offer consistently even the most basic regime. We found that leaders were too complacent about some poor outcomes.

“The population had increased, and violence remained high, although encouragingly the rate of violence had declined by about 16 per cent in the six months before our visit, while self-harm had decreased by nearly half. 

“Oversight of the use of force was better developed, but leaders could have made further improvements by developing a greater understanding of local data.

“Many of the issues faced by the prison continued to be linked directly to the challenge of staff recruitment and retention. Leaders had, however, successfully implemented a range of support measures to hopefully drive recruitment. The situation remained fragile but there were some encouraging signs that improvements might be realised in early 2023.”

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Despite the improvements, the number of incidents involving force increase and the conditions of the C wing were 'unacceptable'.

The report said: “The number of reported incidents involving force had increased. During the six months before our visit, the rate per 1,000 prisoners had increased from 477 over the same period before our full inspection to 539. Leaders were unaware of the rise and had informed us that the use of force was declining. The levels of force were also high when compared to other similar prisons. Prison leaders were poorly equipped to determine the causes for the increase, which was concerning, as violence among prisoners was decreasing.

“While work had started on C wing but conditions remained unacceptable. Many cells were stark and did not have appropriate furniture, and standards were poor.”

The inspection found that prisoners were being kept in their cells for up to 23 hours a day. 

The report said: “Time out of cell for most prisoners on the main site remained poor, with many locked up for 23 hours a day. During the brief period when they were unlocked, prisoners had to complete applications, have a shower and exercise. There was little else to occupy prisoners and, while the prison had a stock of recreational items, such as table tennis and pool tables, they had not been put out onto the wings.

“Prisoners could not collect their lunch packs because they were delivered to their cells, which was not decent and further reduced their time out of cell. While prisoners could collect their hot meal from the servery, they were eaten in their cell and the prison had no plans to allow prisoners to eat their meals with their peers to promote a community ethos, even when staffing levels increased.”

A Prison Service spokesman said: “This report highlights the recent improvements made at HMP Winchester, particularly in reducing violence and self-harm.

“More staff have been recruited which will allow the prison’s leaders to increase time out of cells, and a new workshop means more offenders will have access to valuable training. Across the estate we have boosted prison officer pay to at least £30,000 with an extra £3,000 for some of the lowest paid to help us hire and retain hardworking prison officers.”