// BBC UK NEWS — CRONACA
Prison staff told not to use inadequate cells as overcrowding worsens
Some prisoners will be released early in October to try to tackle overcrowding (file photo)
Prison governors in England and Wales have been warned against using unsafe cells to cope with overcrowding, according to documents leaked to the BBC.
The six-page letter from the Prison Governors' Association (PGA) has been sent to members urging them to abide by the law when using cells, ensuring they meet health and safety requirements and are suitable for the number of inmates they are holding.
Prison staff told the BBC they were increasingly having to put two inmates in single occupancy cells, as overcrowding across the adult male estate worsens.
"Keeping two prisoners in cells built for one isn't ideal, but the pressure is on to maintain operational capacity.
"We don't have the space. Some cells have problems with heating or plumbing and they [prisoners] shouldn't really be in there to be honest," one governor said.
"The infrastructure is failing, especially in the older establishments, and cramming people into cells isn't going to help - especially when the toilet or sink isn't working."
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: "Cells are only doubled up where it is safe to do so."
Governors have been warned that cells need to meet health and safety standards, including plumbing
The leaked document, called Operational Capacity Guidance, states: "It is a legal requirement under the Prisons Act 1952, the Prison Rules and the Young Offender Institution Rules that no cell shall be used for the confinement of a prisoner or young offender unless it is certified by an inspector that its size, lighting, heating, ventilation and fittings are adequate for health and that it allows the prisoner to communicate at any time with a prison officer."