Government plans to ease prison capacity pressure and manage the needs of vulnerable prisoners

The Labour government has set out its short- and long-term plans to reduce the pressure on prison capacity in England and Wales. This includes releasing eligible prisoners on licence into the community after they have served 40% of their sentence and building more prisons. Organisations have highlighted the risk of prison overcrowding on prisoner wellbeing. Some charities have called for better mental health support for prisoners whilst in custody and on release.

Government plans to ease prison capacity pressure and manage the needs of vulnerable prisoners

Addressing prison capacity pressure

The prison population in England and Wales is at risk of exceeding prison capacity. To address this in the short term, the Labour government has changed the law to allow certain prisoners to be automatically released on licence into the community after serving 40% of their sentence in prison. This briefing explores what the reaction to the law change has been and whether there are alternative options that could prevent prisons becoming full.

Addressing prison capacity pressure

Lithium-ion Battery Safety Bill [HL]: HL Bill 8 of 2024–25

Lithium-ion batteries are the most popular type of rechargeable battery and are used in a wide range of electrical devices worldwide. The Lithium-ion Battery Safety Bill [HL] would provide for regulations concerning the safe storage, use and disposal of such batteries in the UK. The bill is a private member’s bill sponsored by Lord Redesdale (Liberal Democrat). The House of Lords is scheduled to debate the bill at second reading on 6 September 2024.

Lithium-ion Battery Safety Bill [HL]: HL Bill 8 of 2024–25

  • In Focus

    Cyclists and the law

    Currently, cyclists who drive dangerously or carelessly can be prosecuted for various offences, including those contained in the Road Traffic Act 1988 (as amended). In 2024, the Conservative government said it was introducing a new offence of causing death by dangerous cycling. However, this change in the law was not enacted before the 2024 general election. This briefing summarises the existing laws ahead of a debate in the House of Lords.

  • Research Briefing

    Holocaust Memorial Bill: HL Bill 4 of 2024–25

    The Holocaust Memorial Bill is due to have its second reading in the House of Lords on 4 September 2024. This bill seeks to make provision for expenditure on the construction and operation of a Holocaust memorial and learning centre. It would also remove restrictions on building these in Victoria Tower Gardens, next to Parliament. It is a government bill, introduced under the previous Conservative government and continued by the newly elected Labour government. The bill is a hybrid bill, meaning it applies generally but also has a particular effect on specific groups, people or places. This entails additional stages for the bill. The bill is made up of two substantive clauses. It would extend to England and Wales, and apply to England. It would come into force two months after receiving royal assent.

  • In Focus

    Public libraries in England: Work towards a new national strategy

    This briefing provides a summary of work over recent years towards a national library strategy, including Baroness Sanderson of Welton’s independent review of public libraries. It has been prepared ahead of Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay’s (Conservative) debate scheduled for 12 September 2024 on whether the Labour government plans to publish a new strategy for public libraries.

  • Research Briefing

    Arbitration Bill [HL]: HL Bill 1 of 2024–25

    Arbitration is a form of dispute resolution that enables two or more parties to resolve a disagreement privately through a third party instead of going to court. The Arbitration Bill [HL] would amend the Arbitration Act 1996, the principal legislation governing arbitrations in England and Wales and in Northern Ireland. The changes provided for in the bill would implement recommendations from the Law Commission following consultation with the sector.

  • In Focus

    Community sentencing: House of Lords Justice and Home Affairs Committee report

    The number of community sentences issued by courts in England and Wales has declined since 2012. A recent House of Lords Justice and Home Affairs Committee report concluded that community sentences were falling short of their potential. The committee said better use of community sentences would help cut crime and ease pressure on prisons. The House of Lords is due to debate the report on 26 July 2024.

  • Current Affairs Digest

    Current Affairs Digest: Home Affairs (May 2024)

    In recent years, there has been a fall in levels of trust and confidence in policing. This followed a series of high-profile scandals, some of which involved serious offences committed by serving police officers. This briefing explores the role of media coverage in changing public perceptions of policing and also reports on calls by various parties to improve the current levels of confidence.

  • In Focus

    Support for opera

    Concerns have been raised about the state of the opera sector in England, with much of this focused on the financial pressures it is facing. A number of English opera institutions are now receiving reduced Arts Council funding and, taken together with increasing cost pressures and inflation, this has led to cuts in performances and concerns about the sector’s future viability. In addition, concerns have been raised about diversity and equality across opera, including in audiences and the workforce. Arts Council England has said it will be having discussions with sector representatives about how these issues can be best addressed.

  • In Focus

    UEFA European Football Championship 2028

    The UK and the Republic of Ireland are due to jointly host the European Football Championship in 2028 (EURO 28). The UK government hopes it will deliver £2.4bn in socio-economic benefits to cities and communities across the UK. EURO 28 will be held in 10 venues across England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland. However, there have been recent concerns over the costs of the development of one of those venues: Casement Park in Belfast.

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