ANNUAL REPORT 1995-96

2. PRISON ESTABLISHMENTS

Review of Estate

2.1 The number of SPS establishments increased to 22 during 1995-96. Additions or changes to the prison estate included:

The opening of a new 55 cell National Induction Centre at Shotts in May 1995. Adult male prisoners sentenced to 10 years or more now spend the first six to 12 months of sentence there.

The opening of a new 10 cell unit at Peterhead in October 1995. This is for adult male prisoners unable to cope with mainstream life (and complements the previously established Shotts Unit, which has a similar purpose).

Enhancements at HMPs Aberdeen, Dumfries and Inverness which have led to the dispersal of some categories of female prisoners closer to their homes. The 16 room hostel outside the perimeter of HMYOI Polmont was also made an exclusive Training for Freedom Hostel for females in March 1996.

The re-categorisation of HMYOI Castle Huntly from a young offender to male category 'D' establishment at the turn of the year.

The opening of a new 60 cell block at HMP Greenock.

Building and Maintenance Programme

2.2 A total of £7 million was spent on the maintenance and upgrading of prison buildings last year many of which had been erected in the Victoria era. A total of £13.2 million was spent on capital programmes. Programmes included:

At HMP Barlinnie, the start of a £25 million rolling programme to upgrade the residential halls. Costs will be spread over 10 years.

At HMP Edinburgh a similar 5 year programme which includes refurbishment of cell blocks and of the Reception Area.

At HMP Perth the completion of upgrading work in 'E' Hall with more to follow.

At HMYOI Polmont, the opening of a large and much improved Visits room.

At a number of locations, the installation of integral sanitation - the aim being to end the degrading and unhygienic practice of 'slopping out' by the end of this century. Progress has had to be phased - mainly for financial reasons, but also because cells have to be emptied whilst closets are installed. This process is nevertheless inhibited by the pressures of overcrowding, and currently 64% of prisoners have access to night sanitation.

2.3 In 1996-97 the budget is being increased to £17 million and allocated as follows: