In the latest annual report by the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB), a Bovingdon prison has received accreditation for its improvements.
HMP Mount is a category C prison holding around 1,000 prisoners.
Last year, IMB found the prison to be in a “dire state”. However, this year the prison’s governing board has been praised for the “huge strides” it has taken to address concerns.
The report found that staffing and regime have both improved, with prisoners able to spend more time out of their cells and in education and training.
Safety has also been improved, and prisoners experiencing personal crises are reportedly receiving better support.
However, there are still causes for concern within the prison. The report highlights that the prison continues to struggle with overcrowding and issues caused by delays in the criminal justice system. Drugs are rife and there is not enough support to help prisoners to abstain.
Due to the current housing crisis and shortage of approved premises, around 50 per cent of men who are released from the prison are homeless.
Simon Clarke, chair of IMB HMP The Mount, said: “HMP The Mount has made huge strides forward since the Board’s last annual report and we commend the governor and his staff on the progress that has been achieved in challenging circumstances.”
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