Committee publication · Correspondence · 30 June 2026
Correspondence from Lord Timpson, Minister for Prisons, Probation and Reducing Reoffending, dated 23 June 2026 relating to the Prison (Governor's and Adjudicator's Punishments) (Amendment) Rules 2026
From: Justice Committee
Summary
Lord Timpson informs the Justice Committee that the Government has laid a Statutory Instrument to amend prison discipline rules. The changes introduce two new social visit restrictions for convicted prisoners, increase maximum forfeiture-of-privileges and added-days sentences from 42 to 84 days, and aim to deter rule-breaking and support the new Sentencing Act 2026 Progression Model.
Key findings
- Two new punishments introduced: restriction of social visits to one per 28 days (max 84 days) and removal of social visits (max 27 days), applying only to convicted prisoners with child visits unaffected
- Maximum added days for both governors and Independent Adjudicators increased from 42 to 84 days per incident
- Maximum forfeiture of privileges extended from 42 to 84 days
- Changes designed to address persistent or severe rule-breaking where Police/CPS referral thresholds are not met
- SI subject to negative resolution procedure, coming into force 2 September 2026, supporting the Sentencing Act 2026 Progression Model
Tone
ProceduralTopics
criminal-justiceprisonsprison-disciplinesentencinglegislation
Key actors
Lord Timpson, Andy Slaughter, Ministry of Justice, Independent Adjudicators, Crown Prosecution Service, Prison governors
Notable line
“By amending existing punishments and introducing new punishments, the aim is also that prisoners will be deterred from engaging in indiscipline.”
Key Quotes
“These changes provide governors and Independent Adjudicators with further tools to address persistent or severe rule-breaking in prisons through the adjudications system.”
“… visits from a prisoner's chil d will remain unaffected.”
“I have given this issue careful consideration and believe that this SI is essential to allow us to continue to maintain an effective prisoner discipline system in prisons.”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗