New research into digital access in prisons has highlighted the challenges faced by prisoners on release when they are denied internet access in custody – and has called for a roll-out in digital services across prisons in England and Wales.

Currently, prisoners have limited online access to employment, housing and welfare benefit services. The report advocates for continued investment in digitisation in prisons and recommends pilot projects to trial prisoners’ access to key online factors ahead of resettlement. 

Chief Executive of the Prison Reform Trust Pia Sinha, said:

‘Digital technology…is an essential ingredient in developing autonomy… By bridging the digital divide between prisons and the communities they return to, we can help prisoners build better futures and reduce reoffending’.

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