Overview

This bill grants prison governors the power to destroy or dispose of certain unauthorized items found in prisons and prisoner escort vehicles in England and Wales. This includes items belonging to prisoners who aren't allowed to possess them, or items with unknown owners. The aim is to improve prison security and management.

Description

The Prisons (Property) Bill amends the Prison Act 1952. It introduces a new section (42A) allowing prison governors or directors to destroy or dispose of property:

• Found on prisoners who aren't allowed to possess it.
• Found in prisons or escort vehicles without a known owner or belonging to a prisoner not authorized to possess it.
• Items authorized for possession, but believed by the governor to be used for concealing unauthorized items, causing harm, or compromising prison security.

The bill specifies that "disposing of" includes selling the item. The power to dispose of items found *before* the act comes into force is limited to unclaimed items specified in existing sections (40A and 40D) of the Act, after a six-month waiting period.

The bill also amends section 43 of the 1952 Act to include the new section 42A in relevant subsections.

Government Spending

The bill is not expected to significantly increase or decrease government spending. The cost implications are likely to be minimal, potentially involving minor administrative adjustments to prison procedures.

Groups Affected

• Prison Governors and Directors: Given increased responsibilities and decision-making power regarding disposal of property.
• Prisoners: May experience loss of personal property if it is deemed unauthorized or poses a security risk.
• Prison Staff: Involved in the identification, handling, and disposal of unauthorized property.

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