A watchdog’s report on prisons in England and Wales says reductions in prison education and training are contributing to harmful behaviour, including increased drug use, self-harm and violence. The assessment comes from HM Inspector of Prisons for England and Wales, in what is described as the inspector’s final annual report ahead of a planned stepping-down from the role in the autumn after six years.
The report attributes the deterioration to budget pressures that reduce frontline spending on education, with funding cuts reported as falling by up to 50%. It argues that limiting education opportunities increases risks inside custody, and it calls on authorities to maintain careful oversight of prisoners’ outcomes.
In particular, the watchdog warns that officials should closely monitor the impending release of thousands of prisoners later this year, suggesting that reduced education provision may affect stability after release. The report also urges prison authorities to respond to the findings and manage associated risks as policy changes and release pressures continue.
