Self-harm cases rise at Hull Prison, says report

Incidents of self-harm have increased at HMP Hull, according to a report by the prisons inspectorate.

A review in April measured progress at the jail since inspections in 2021 and 2024.

HM Inspectorate of Prisons had previously found that bosses were not using data effectively to reduce violence or self-harm, but the latest report concluded that "reasonable progress" had been made to understand the causes of the problem, despite the rise in incidents.

The Ministry of Justice said it was addressing the concerns raised in the report.

Previous inspections had identified a number of concerns, including inmates being locked up for more than 22 hours a day and a lack of involvement in meaningful activities or education workshops.

The inspectorate had also cited an increase in positive drug tests and "too many" prisoners being released without homes to go to.

The recent follow-up visit found that "concerns had been taken seriously" and staff were working hard to improve the situation.

However, Chief Inspector of Prisons Charlie Taylor said the availability of drugs remained a "significant concern" and a threat to safety and security.

He said leaders were now using a drug strategy that focused on recovery and good support.

He also said the prison remained overcrowded, with cramped cells, and while there had been work to reduce the number of inmates ending up homeless on their release, that number had not yet fallen.

In conclusion, Mr Taylor said: "Leaders were committed to driving improvement at Hull and this independent review of progress indicated that their hard work was paying off in many important areas."

HMP Hull houses about 900 remanded or newly-convicted men and vulnerable prisoners.

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: "While we have seen notable improvements since the last inspection, we fully acknowledge the challenges that remain at HMP Hull."

The spokesperson added that efforts were being made to address the concerns that had been raised, including training staff to reduce the risk of self-harm and bringing in reforms to reduce pressure on prisons.

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