Prisoners could have their access to game consoles like the Xbox 360 and to Sky television revoked as part of the Justice Secretary’s new regime for British jails.
Due to be announced in the next couple of months, Chris Grayling, the Justice Secretary, is finalising proposals for plans to make British prisons stricter, especially after right-wing criticisms.
Currently, British prisoners enjoy automatic access to entertainment options like games consoles, Sky TV and gym equipment. Under Grayling’s new plans though, prisoners may have to earn the right to enjoy such luxuries.
Inmates could be required to enrol in educational courses or work to earn good behaviour bonuses, allowing access to such desirable perks.
The news comes after the recent revelations that British taxpayers have forked out £8.3 million on gym equipment for prisons in four-and-a-half years since 2008/2009, with each jail housing more than £63,000 worth of kit.
“Every perk given to prisoners is an insult to their victims and an unacceptable cost to the taxpayer,” said MP Priti Patel, who discovered the shocking figures.
“Inmates should be given the chance to exercise, but taxpayers shouldn’t have to rob a bank to pay for it,” said Matthew Sinclair of the Taxpayers’ Alliance.
However, the removal of such perks could see prisoners forced to spend more time in their cells, which some prison governors believe could lead to increased tension among the inmates.
British jails are already suffering from overcrowding and budget cuts, so further changes could result in huge unrest in prisons.
“I think there is potentially a danger there could be a reaction from prisoners depending on how this is implemented,” said Peter McParlin, National Chairman of the Prison Officers’ Association.
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Via: The Independent
