Lack of accommodation causing longer prison stays

The report also praised the prison in a number of areas

Some prisoners are facing spending longer in prison due to a shortage of approved probation accommodation.

An annual report by the Independent Monitoring Board into HMP Leyhill, in South Gloucestershire, found that some prisoners stayed in the Category D prison longer than expected.

Many also experience delays in getting parole due to the limited availability of overnight stays in approved premises.

The report did, however praise the prison for several aspects, including prisoners being treated with humanity and respect.

The Home Detention Curfew scheme allows prisoners to serve the remainder of their sentences at home under strict conditions, including electric monitoring and curfews.

Many prisoners at HMP Leyhill who qualify for the scheme expect to be released under it.

But the lack of suitable accommodation for eligible prisoners resulted in some having their release either delayed or rejected.

The IMB Chair for Leyhill, Mark Masters, said he was also concerned "that prisoners do not have access to communication devices equivalent to those available in the majority of the closed estate to maintain contact with friends and family members".

Additionally, the report voices concerns about the changing demographic of prisoners from people serving longer sentences to those serving shorter ones.

It says this presents challenges "in all areas," including facilitating releases.

However, the report praises the prison's work to increase its operational capacity from 460 to 825 inmates, the care shown by staff towards vulnerable prisoners and the work done to monitor self-harm incidents.

"The IMB has observed staff at HMP Leyhill treating prisoners with humanity and respect in a safe and supportive environment," said Mr Masters.

The work of the Offender Management Unit has also allowed more inmates to work in the wider community through release on temporary licence.