HMP Durham: Underwear Shortages Rectified, MoJ Confirms
New prisoners at HMP Durham are now being provided with their complete entitlement of clothing, bedding, and towels, according to the Ministry of Justice (MoJ). This assurance follows a report from the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) which highlighted significant shortfalls in provision during its monitoring period between November 2024 and October 2025.
Clothing Entitlement Issues
The IMB's report revealed that new inmates at HMP Durham were consistently receiving less than half the personal clothing items they were entitled to. Specifically, new prisoners were given only three pairs of shorts and socks, rather than the eight mandated by national guidelines. While the prison governor, in a response dated 20 January, committed to centralising the management of bedding and clothing, the IMB noted that the prison remained non-compliant with minimum clothing entitlements at the close of its reporting year. The MoJ has since stated that this is no longer the case.
Impact of Funding Cuts
The IMB also raised concerns regarding the impact of funding cuts at HMP Durham. These cuts have led to a loss of access to crucial classes in food safety, industrial cleaning, and creative enterprise. Furthermore, inmates in the vulnerable prisoner unit experienced a 50% reduction in English and maths lessons. The loss of a special educational needs co-ordinator and a reading specialist was also highlighted, negatively impacting prisoners with learning difficulties and disabilities. The MoJ has indicated that efforts are underway to expand opportunities for prisoners through "higher quality lessons" and "sector-specific training".
Additional Concerns and Positives
Other issues noted by inspectors included the loss of a vital role focused on an inmate's first days in custody, and longstanding problems such as overcrowding and "undignified separation from toilet and living space". However, the IMB did acknowledge a positive 42% reduction in self-harm incidents compared to the previous year. The prison's "well-stocked library" and good opportunities for vocational training were also commended. The MoJ has acknowledged the challenges at HMP Durham and committed to addressing them.
