Closed petition: Reform prisons to become self-funded working prisons

Closed on 30 November 2025

The Government should reform all prisons so that they prisoners work to fund their stay in the prison including the costs of their accommodation, food, and the wages of the officers.

We think instead of using the hard working taxpayer's money, which should go to supporting their families, prisons should be self funded.

With prisons at crisis point and a further 4,000 spaces being created, in our view, it could cost taxpayers a further £200 million a year to keep prisoners locked up. If prisoners have to work 40+ hours per week, it could help change the mindset & get them ready to re-enter the workforce. We believe many go to prison for a holiday and return back to a life of crime upon release because it’s easy and there is no deterrent.