// BBC UK NEWS — CRONACA
Spaces in male prisons fall to lowest level of year, sources say
The early release scheme was launched in September to tackle overcrowding
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.
Justice Secretary Alex Norris is due to give more details in the Commons later on changes to the early-release scheme, which aims to free up space in prisons as they near maximum capacity.
It comes as Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced changes to the scheme, which will mean more prisoners, including those convicted of manslaughter, will remain behind bars for longer.
Laundry rooms to be turned into cells to tackle prison overcrowding
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.
The government has said it would create more cells in existing prisons in England and Wales as part of its plans to tackle overcrowding.
An investment of £110m, which will come from existing budgets, will be used to convert unused office space, laundry rooms and storage space into cells, the MoJ said.