Report shows unacceptable lack of support for people in prison on remand 

The Howard League for Penal Reform has responded to HM Inspectorate of Prisons’ report ‘Everything is after sentencing’: The experiences of remand prisoners, published today (Friday 27 March).

The report, which reviewed inspection reports from 12 reception prisons, highlights that people on remand have worse outcomes than those serving a sentence. According to the report, people on remand did not receive sufficient support upon arriving at prison, often did not receive their entitlements, and were given inadequate support to resolve issues in the community.  

The report finds that not enough prisons have strategies to manage people on remand, despite remand prisoners making up around a fifth of the prison population in England and Wales.  The finding is all the more stark as remand prisoners report higher rates of mental health problems, depression, and an increased risk of suicide.  

Andrea Coomber KC (Hon.), Chief Executive of the Howard League for Penal Reform, said: “The remand population has almost doubled in the last ten years, and yet the inspectorate’s report shows that people on remand are continually failed.  

“We know that people on remand are at higher risk of self-harm and self-inflicted death, but the findings of this report show the unacceptable lack of support they are offered in prison. The government must develop a national strategy that looks to support people on remand and that prioritises reducing their numbers in custody.”  

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. The inspection report ‘Everything is after sentencing’: The experiences of remand prisoners, be available on the HM Inspectorate of Prisons website at: https://hmiprisons.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/our-reports/ 
3. According to the report, in December 2025,16,520 people were on remand, comprising 19% (almost one in five) of the overall population. Ten years ago, in 2017, the remand population was 11% of the prison population (9,638 of 85,134). Source: https://data.justice.gov.uk/prisons/offender-management  

Contact 

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