Cheap Prison Calls:
How Much Does It Cost To Keep A UK Prisoner?

The cost of keeping a prisoner in the UK is a significant expense that often raises questions about the efficiency and effectiveness of the prison system. From the price of daily necessities to the broader financial implications on society, the cost of incarceration goes beyond the basics of food and housing. This article delves into the various factors contributing to the overall cost of keeping a prisoner in the UK and explores how services like affordable prison calls and low-cost prison phone plans can reduce the financial burden on inmates and their families.

What is the cost of keeping a prisoner in the UK?

The average annual cost of keeping one person in prison in the UK stands at approximately £44,640 per year (2023/24 figures), which translates to roughly £855 per week or £122 per day. This figure includes direct resource expenditure, with variations depending on the prison category, location, and specific needs of the inmate population.

How to breakdown the cost per prisoner

Accommodation:
The largest portion of prison expenditure goes towards staffing and operational costs. Prison officers, administrative staff, healthcare professionals, and support workers account for approximately 45% of the total cost per prisoner. A typical UK prison employs one staff member for every 3.6 prisoners, resulting in significant personnel expenses.

Staffing cost:
One of the highest costs is staffing, including prison officers, healthcare workers, educators, and administrative staff. Staff salaries, training, and benefits contribute significantly to the overall cost of running a prison.

Healthcare:
Healthcare represents another substantial cost in the prison system. The NHS provides healthcare services in UK prisons, with an average annual cost of £4,800 per prisoner. This includes:
- Mental health services
- Substance abuse treatment
- Regular medical care
- Emergency medical services
- Dental care

Rehabilitation or education:
Educational and rehabilitation programs constitute approximately 15% of per-prisoner costs. These essential services include:
- Basic skills training
- Vocational education
- Substance abuse programs
- Behavioral therapy
- Employment preparation
- Life skills training

Food and basic provisions:
The daily cost of feeding a prisoner averages £2.02 per day, totaling approximately £737 per year. This must meet nutritional guidelines while accommodating various dietary requirements and religious considerations. Despite the relatively low per-meal cost, feeding the entire prison population represents a significant annual expenditure.

The impact of rising prisoner costs

The high cost of keeping a prisoner in the UK raises important questions about the effectiveness of the current system. With nearly £47,000 spent per prisoner each year, there is growing debate about whether these funds could be better allocated towards prevention, rehabilitation, and community-based alternatives.

Rehabilitation Over Incarceration
Some argue that the UK should focus more on rehabilitation and less on incarceration. By investing in mental health services, education, and job training, the government could reduce reoffending rates, ultimately lowering the overall cost of the prison system. Programs that help reintegrate former prisoners into society have proven to be more cost-effective in the long run.

The Role of Technology in Reducing Costs
Technology can also play a role in reducing the costs associated with incarceration. For instance, implementing more efficient communication solutions like cheaper prison calls and low-cost prison plans can cut down on the financial burden on inmates and their families. Additionally, virtual court hearings and electronic monitoring are being explored as ways to reduce the need for physical imprisonment.

Regional prisoner costs

Prison costs vary significantly across different regions of the UK. London and Southeast England typically have higher per-prisoner costs due to increased operational expenses and higher staffing costs. Some notable regional variations include:

High-Cost Regions
London: £52,000 per prisoner annually
Southeast England: £48,000 per prisoner annually

Lower-Cost Regions
North England: £41,000 per prisoner annually
Wales: £40,000 per prisoner annually

Historical prisoner costs

Prison costs have risen significantly over the past decade:

2014/15
Average annual cost: £36,000 per prisoner
Daily cost: £98.75

2019/20
Average annual cost: £41,136 per prisoner
Daily cost: £112.70

International comparisons

UK prison costs compare differently with other developed nations:

Norway: £93,500 per prisoner annually
Sweden: £72,000 per prisoner annually
France: £48,000 per prisoner annually
Spain: £34,000 per prisoner annually
United States: £25,000 per prisoner annually (federal system)
Canada: £52,000 per prisoner annually
Australia: £49,000 per prisoner annually

The cost of keeping a prisoner in the UK reflects the complex requirements of modern incarceration, including security, rehabilitation, healthcare, and basic needs. While the current average of £44,640 per prisoner annually represents a significant public expenditure, it encompasses various essential services and programs aimed at both containment and rehabilitation.

Understanding these costs is crucial for policymakers, taxpayers, and those involved in the criminal justice system. As prison populations continue to evolve and new challenges emerge, careful consideration must be given to balancing cost-effective operation with the maintenance of appropriate standards and the achievement of rehabilitation goals.

Regular review and optimization of prison spending, combined with investment in effective rehabilitation programs, may help manage these costs while improving outcomes for both prisoners and society. The focus remains on finding the right balance between fiscal responsibility and the delivery of a prison service that meets its fundamental objectives of public safety, punishment, and rehabilitation.