Details of deaths in Britain’s prisons will now be published weekly in a “truly momentous” improvement in openness and transparency.
The prisons and probation ombudsman (PPO) will post weekly updates identifying those who have died, the prison where they were being held and the date of their death.
Previously, details of those who have died inside prisons have not been released until an inquest has been held – which can take months or even years.
The move comes after self-inflicted deaths in prison soared by nearly a quarter last year, according to Ministry of Justice figures. Of 311 deaths in prison during 2023, 93 deaths were recorded as self-inflicted – a rise of 22 per cent on the previous year.
Self-harm incidents have also soared, with one recorded every seven minutes inside the nation’s prisons. Overall there were 67,773 self-harm incidents in the 12 months to September 2023, up 17 per cent compared to the previous year.
Announcing the change, ombudsman Adrian Usher said he felt it was important to improve transparency and improve public confidence in investigations.
“I decided to announce the names of deaths we are investigating in order to be more transparent, and to acknowledge the person behind the death at the start of our investigation.
“We also feel that if we did not name the individual, this might be profoundly upsetting for the families of all living inmates at that institution until they are reassured it is not their loved one.”
He said the PPO will ensure next of kin has been notified before details are shared, adding: “If we get feedback that the announcement is too soon, then we will seek to delay it.
On Thursday, the first list of recent deaths was published on the ombudsman’s website – revealing the watchdog is investigating six deaths which took place during the week until 22 February.
They include two deaths at HMP Littlehey, a category C prison for male sex offenders in Cambridgeshire, and further deaths at HMP Lindholme, Serco-operated HMP Fosse Way, HMP Whatton and HMP Northumberland.
Further details of the investigation into each fatal incident will continue to be published after inquests have concluded.
