Prisoners 'must work harder' for privileges

[dutchman]

Male prisoners in England and Wales must work harder for privileges such as TVs in cells, the government has said.

From November, under changes to the Incentives and Earned Privileges scheme, inmates must "actively earn privileges" - "a simple absence of bad behaviour will not be enough".

Satellite and cable TV channels, currently available in some private prisons, will be banned altogether.

Critics say it is better to do what is effective rather than what seems tough.

But Justice Secretary Chris Grayling said that "in the past, we've sent the wrong message".

Other changes to the scheme will include:

A longer working day for prisoners
A ban on films with an 18 certificate
Extra gym time being dependent "on active engagement with rehabilitation"
Restricted privileges, including access to private cash, for prisoners in the first two weeks of their sentence. They must also wear uniform at entry level
Prisoners then put on either basic or standard "IEP level" depending on how they "co-operate with the regime or engage in rehabilitation"
Those on basic level no longer allowed TVs in cells

The Ministry of Justice said there would also be a change to prison rules "increasing our power to recover money from prisoners to pay for damage to prison property".

The changes follow a review of the prison incentives scheme.

Officials are still working on possible changes to the privilege scheme for women prisoners.