Howard League supports Chief Inspector’s intervention to prevent seriously mentally ill people ending up in prison 

The Howard League for Penal Reform has responded to Chief Inspector of Prisons, Charlie Taylor’s, call for mental health assessments in police or court custody, published today (Wednesday 5 August). 

Andrea Coomber KC (Hon.), Chief Executive of the Howard League for Penal Reform, said: “These distressing findings underline the unacceptable burdens being placed on the prison system. Prisons across our country are already over-stretched and under-resourced, and this letter details more of the stresses being placed on people living and working in our jails.  

“How can we expect people in prison to rehabilitate and move on with their lives when they are held in deplorable conditions alongside acutely mentally unwell people who are not being given the help they desperately need? It is particularly concerning that those acutely unwell will likely see worsening symptoms during their spell behind bars. 

“Given the Prime Minister has committed to fix the prison crisis and free up capacity, here is another area where he can use his convening power across government to ensure that the Department of Health, Home Office, and Ministry of Justice work together to stop seriously mentally ill people being sent to prison.”

Notes to editors 

1. The Howard League for Penal Reform is the oldest penal reform charity in the world. It is a national charity working for less crime, safer communities and fewer people in prison.
2. Chief Inspector of Prisons Charlie Taylor wrote to the Secretary of State for Home Affairs, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care and the Secretary of State for Justice on 14 July 2026, before the appointment of Prime Minster Andy Burnham and his new cabinet. The letter will be available on the HM Inspectorate of Prisons website at: https://hmiprisons.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/  

Contact 

Noor Khan
Press and Public Affairs Officer
Tel: +44 (0)20 7241 7873
Email: [email protected]