Littlehey prison has recently started releasing a few prisoners on temporary licence again.  It may be helpful if I explain the policy around temporary release. The Prison Rules in England and Wales provide that a prisoner may be allowed to leave prison for short periods on temporary licence. Release on Temporary Licence (ROTL) is an important rehabilitation tool which allows prisoners to participate in activities which have been identified as serving a particular purpose in meeting their individual resettlement objectives. The prisoners selected for this will be towards the end of their sentences and will either be preparing for release or for a move to an Open (Category D) prison. To be eligible to be considered prisoners must also be located on our progression unit and have successfully complied with the regime on this unit for a minimum of three months: this unit has lower supervision levels and fewer security measures in place.

There will be a maximum of 10 prisoners and they will be carrying out gardening and maintenance work in the grounds around the front of the prison.

Please be assured that these prisoners have been risk assessed with multiple agencies involved ensuring that the risk to the public is minimal, they have a prison officer accompanying them and have stringent conditions in place. Anyone failing to comply with their conditions would be dealt with robustly, which could result in being given additional sanctions.

Access to ROTL is not automatic and there is a robust risk assessment to ensure that offenders are only released if there is a plan in place to manage them safely in the community. It is for the prison governor, on the advice of a temporary release board, to decide whether the offender is suitable for temporary release. Suitability rests on there being a positive risk assessment and on whether the activity being considered is linked to the offender’s resettlement plan. As part of the risk assessment, the governor must consult the offender manager and the police with protecting the public being the paramount concern.

 

Matthew Tilt, Governor, HMP Littlehey

21st February 2025