‘Catastrophic failure’ possible despite budget settlement for prisons, MSPs told

The Scottish Government’s budget settlement for prisons falls short of what is needed, the head of the service has said, as she warned “catastrophic failure” is possible.

Scottish prisons have been struggling under the weight of high populations in recent years, leading to some experts raising concerns for the human rights of inmates.

While two new jails are on the slate to be built in Glasgow and the Highlands, construction is not due to be complete for another few years.

Appearing before the Criminal Justice Committee at Holyrood, Scottish Prison Service chief executive Teresa Medhurst said: “As always, we are grateful for the support shown by the Scottish Government with the potential budget allocation, but I must be clear that it does fall somewhat short of what we believe we need to to deliver on the full range of our delivery agenda to support much-needed improvements and ease some of the current pressures.

“Our aging estate is in desperate need of upgrades and replacement and whilst continued capital investment for the two new prisons offers excellent new facilities to replace aging buildings, it is still of great concern that the current pressures we face through prolonged, excessive population, that our existing estate continues to degrade and could result in catastrophic failure.”

Along with the increasing prisoner numbers, Ms Medhurst told the committee, the service also has to deal with shifting demographics in the population, with an increase in long-term prisoners and sex offenders meaning they could fill a whole other prison.

“Since 2021-22, our long term population daily average has increase (by) just short of 800,” she said.

“And those convicted of sex offenses has increased (by) just short of a staggering 900 individuals.

“Based on design capacity, since 2021-22, we could fill an additional prison similar to the size of Edinburgh and Low Moss, exclusively with long-termers and those convicted of sexual offences, and we would still require additional spaces elsewhere.”

As a result of the increased population, the chief executive added, access to mental and physical health services, along with rehabilitation has been limited, creating a “bottle-neck”.

She added: “Along with our partners, SPS are committed to reducing future harm to our communities and supporting the rehabilitation of those in custody.

“Our staff are, however, struggling with the relentless pressure, particularly over the last two years, but they continue to focus on building those important relationships, delivering services and support and making improvements where we are able to do so.”

Pressure on the workforce, she said, “must now ease”, adding that if the funding is not increased before the end of the budget process, there was a risk of “some form of degradation in our service delivery”.

The Scottish Government has been contacted for comment.