UK Prison Capacity Pressures Leave Jersey Inmates Facing 10-Month Transfer Delays

There are growing delays for prisoners in Jersey seeking transfers to prisons in the UK, with limited availability of places leading to average waiting times of more than 10 months.

Home Affairs Minister Senator Helen Miles revealed the figures in response to a written States Assembly question, confirming that 12 inmates are currently awaiting approval to move to UK prisons.

Miles acknowledged that the delays could have an impact on prisoners' wellbeing, particularly by making it harder for them to maintain regular contact with family members. However, she said inmates at La Moye Prison continue to have access to letters, telephone calls and in-person visits while they wait.

The minister also outlined the financial costs associated with the prison system, stating that it costs approximately £84,000 a year to house a single prisoner at La Moye. Transferring an inmate to a UK prison costs taxpayers £1,603 per person.

The delays come as the UK prison estate continues to face capacity challenges. The latest government figures show the prison system has a total capacity of 89,090, with 85,840 places occupied earlier this month.

Pressure on the system has prompted measures to ease overcrowding, with official statistics showing that almost 40,000 prisoners in England and Wales were released early between September 2024 and the end of 2025.