Full Breakdown
UK Prison Overcrowding Prompts Consideration of Double-Occupancy in Temporary Cells
By Drooid · · How we work
Prison Overcrowding and the Proposal to Double Up in Rapid Deployment Cells
The Ministry of Justice has confirmed that no final decision has been made on whether inmates can share rapid-deployment cells (RDCs) that were originally built for single occupancy. Governors at ten Category C prisons in England and Wales have been asked to assess the feasibility of installing a second bed in these steel-framed, purpose-built units as an emergency measure to address a severe capacity shortfall.
Background: Capacity Shortfall and Rapid Deployment Cells
Current prison statistics show 87,111 people housed in the system, while the government asserts that the safe capacity stands at 81,616. The shortfall has prompted the Ministry to explore every lever available, including the use of RDCs that were intended as a short-term response but have been praised for lower incidences of violence, debt and drug misuse when used as enhanced wings.
Official Statements from the Ministry of Justice and Government
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said the government is pulling every lever to ensure space for dangerous offenders and that any doubling of cells would occur only where safety can be assured. Justice Secretary Alex Norris reiterated that the early-release scheme remains in place, indicating that the government is pursuing multiple strategies to ease pressure.
Capacity Numbers and Potential Impact
If the proposal proceeds, the addition of second beds in RDCs could create roughly 476 extra spaces across the ten prisons. Officials stress that increasing operational capacity is not merely a matter of adding bunk beds; it also requires sufficient staff and expanded regime activities to maintain safety for both the public and prison personnel.