"We are aware of the measures being taken in the UK in response to prison capacity pressures" - Jersey Evening Post
by James Jeune · Jersey Evening PostPosted inNews
“We are aware of the measures being taken in the UK in response to prison capacity pressures”
by James Jeune 6 August 20266 August 2026
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CONTROVERSIAL measures being taken in the UK to combat overcrowding in prisons are being watched “closely”, according to Jersey’s Home Affairs Minister – but no decisions have been made to change sentencing or release arrangements in the Island.
Senator Helen Miles made the comments not long after Prime Minister Andy Burnham ordered that rape, serious child sex and other grooming offences be barred from upcoming changes to prison sentences, which will bring forward the point at which thousands of prisoners will be released from custody.
New rules under the Sentencing Act due to come into force later this year will see the earliest possible release point for those serving standard determinate sentences with an automatic release point of two-thirds dropped to one-half, while those currently released at 40% or 50% will see it fall to one-third.
The UK Government has stated that, due to “a lack of investment in the prisons estate for over a decade”, adult male prisons are now at 98% capacity.
“Sustained population pressures” are also being faced by the States of Jersey Prison Service, with its latest annual report documenting that the average number of prisoners housed daily had risen from 138 in 2023 to 155 in 2024 and 175 last year.
The report contended that, as a “minimum”, investment will be needed to expand La Moye, which is the only prison in Jersey and currently equipped to accommodate up to 200 inmates.
It cited “additional capacity pressures” that could be generated by new legislation introduced this year as part of efforts to combat violence against women and girls.
“Population management is a priority activity for the year ahead, both in terms of managing the current rising prisoner numbers and maintaining security and safety,” the service continued.
“Our current assessment indicates that La Moye prison has no scope to absorb further population increases within the existing estate.”
Under current arrangements and the Prison (Jersey) Rules 2007, prisoners in the Island can be granted remission of a portion of their term not exceeding one third on the grounds of industry and good conduct– meaning that they ordinarily serve two-thirds of their sentence.
Responding to questions from the JEP about whether she thought this needed to be altered, Senator Miles said: “We are aware of the measures being taken in the UK in response to prison capacity pressures and will continue to monitor developments closely.
“The Government of Jersey keeps all aspects of the criminal justice system under review, including prison capacity, and will consider a range of options if required. No decisions have been made regarding changes to sentencing or release arrangements in Jersey.”
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