Spaces in male prisons fall to lowest level of year, sources say

The number of available spaces across the male prison estate in England and Wales has fallen to its lowest this year, sources have told the BBC.

As of 1 September, there were about 1,500 free spaces, just under half the number available at the start of June, which Ministry of Justice (MoJ) figures put at 3,040.

It comes as Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced changes to the government's early release scheme, which will mean more prisoners, including those convicted of manslaughter, will remain behind bars for longer.

Justice Secretary Alex Norris told the Commons on Tuesday the scheme, which was launched to reduce prison overcrowding, is needed to maintain confidence in British justice.

Laundry rooms to be turned into cells to tackle prison overcrowding

He also said he will hold some 18-year-olds in young offenders' institutions for longer to delay transferring them to the adult male estate to help with the overcrowding in prisons.

MoJ figures show the number of available male prison spaces has been steadily falling since the middle of June, with the last official figures released on 24 August placing them at 1,665.

This week's numbers have not been officially released due to Monday's bank holiday but prison sources say vacancies have fallen once again.