Facilities ranked as ‘serious concern’ increased from nine to 15 in year to March, MoJ data shows
A new focus on rehabilitation may be scuppered by public concern
Previous programmes saw inmates who were not ‘adequately prepared’ straight back behind bars, says chief inspector
From packed prisons to closed police stations and courts, law and order is in retreat
Labour to shorten automatic release point for some prisoners from 50% to 40% of sentence
Data released ahead of Labour announcement on freeing more prisoners to ease overcrowding
Immediate steps need to be combined with long-term reform and investment
Key ministers in agreement with prime minister’s new penal approach, but putting it into practice carries big risks
Ministers expected to reduce numbers by lowering automatic release point for non-violent inmates
Entrepreneur has a long record for championing the rehabilitation of offenders at his family firm
Non-violent criminals could spend less time in jail to ease pressure on the system while new capacity is built
Next government will need to take tough decisions immediately to avert crisis, it warns
Opposition criticises move announced by devolved government to deal with ‘unprecedented situation’
Challenges in jails, courts and probation are well known, but no politician has the courage to come up with a plan
UK prime minister accused of issuing ‘get out of jail free’ cards after emergency measures are introduced
Chancellor has pledged to protect spending on defence, education and NHS, but other departments risk being squeezed
Alex Chalk frustrated by delays, as prison estate grapples with ‘decades of under-investment’
Charlie Taylor says jails are in a vicious cycle of high staff turnover and rising violence
UK government plans to ease pressure on jails welcomed by lawyers and advocacy groups
Moving UK nationals to detention centres in Europe among radical proposals aimed at tackling crisis in penal system
Admission follows report that judges have been ordered to stop sentencing convicted criminals who are on bail
Inmates close to release have often not received the support and training needed to prepare for work
Government initiative aims to expand existing schemes for ex-offenders and help plug shortages in labour markets
Minimal reorganisation could revive the public service and reduce such tragedies as Zara Aleena’s murder
Government blames barristers’ strike for a surge in number of prisoners on remand
