Background
In 2021, the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) estimated that 49% of those in custody had some form of drug misuse need, and in 2025 HM Chief Inspector of Prisons for England and Wales reported that 39% of male prisoners said it was easy to access drugs. Drug use has a significant negative effect on the wellbeing of prisoners and prison staff, and a strong link to reoffending.
The prevalence of illicit drugs in prisons risks undermining HM Prison & Probation Service’s (HMPPS’s) ability to maintain safety within prisons and to rehabilitate offenders. In 2022, MoJ secured £120 million to help deliver the government’s 10-year drug strategy. This strategy set out a three-pronged approach to reduce drug supply, enhance law enforcement and recovery, and drive down demand for drugs.
MoJ is the lead department responsible for the justice system in England and Wales and HMPPS is its executive agency responsible for managing the prison estate. The responsibility for healthcare services in custodial settings, including for drug misuse, sits with the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC). NHS England commissions prison health services under a national framework via regional commissioners.
Scope
This study will focus on whether MoJ and DHSC are taking effective action to reduce harm in prison from illicit drugs. We will examine whether:
- MoJ, HMPPS and DHSC have clearly articulated their objectives and responsibilities for reducing harm in prison from illicit drug use
- current MoJ, HMPPS and DHSC policy and practice is effective at reducing harm in prison from illicit drug use
- services to tackle illicit drug use in prison are resilient
NAO team
Director: Jenny George
Audit Manager: David Raraty