2003 press releases

HMP Lewes Faces Delays

Local MP Norman Baker has obtained the timetable for refurbishments at HMP Lewes from the Home Office, which reveals that the renovation of 'F' wing has been delayed until 2003-4.

The information is contained in a letter from Home Office Minister Hilary Benn to the Lewes MP. It reveals that:

• The new heating system in 'B' wing will not be completed in 2003.
• The fire safety work for the whole prison is only expected to be finished in 2003.
• Refurbishment work on the healthcare centre is scheduled to start in March 2003 and last for 7 months before completion.
• The start date for the refurbishment of 'F' wing has been delayed until 2003-4 to raise the £24m required.

In the Comprehensive Spending Review, Chancellor Gordon Brown announced the Home Office budget would rise to £13.5bn over the next three years. Much of the money will be diverted to fighting street crime and reforming the asylum system.

Prisons were not mentioned in the Comprehensive Spending Review despite the number of inmates reaching a record level of 70,000 with many jails close to bursting point.

Speaking about the plans for HMP Lewes, Norman Baker says:

"I welcome the on-going refurbishment of 'B' wing and plans to renovate the healthcare centre at HMP Lewes next year. But I am seriously concerned that the refurbishment of 'F' wing has been shelved until 2003 or even 2004."

"Lewes Prison, like many prisons across the UK, requires urgent improvement. The Government must stop diverting funds away from prisons and sustain investment to ensure that refurbishments are carried out wherever necessary and not just when the roofs are leaking."

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