# Prison Service Plans to Double Inmates in Prefab Pods

> Leaked documents reveal UK prison service plans to cram two inmates per prefab cell to tackle overcrowding.
- Title: Prison Service Plans to Double Inmates in Prefab Pods
- Summary: Leaked documents reveal UK prison service plans to cram two inmates per prefab cell to tackle overcrowding. UK prison service plans to double inmates in…
- Keywords: prison, overcrowding, prefab, pods, prison service, leaked documents, inmates, overcrowding crisis, rapid deployment cells, news, entertainment, Service
- Source: Dailymail — https://dailymail.com/news/article-16139007/Prison-Service-plans-double-inmates-prefab-pods-ease-overcrowding-crisis-leaked-documents-show.html?ito=1490&ns_campaign=1490&ns_mchannel=rss
- Published: 2026-09-17T12:04:37+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: uk, prison, overcrowding, prefab, pods, prison service, leaked documents, inmates, overcrowding crisis, rapid deployment cells, news, entertainment
## Overcrowding crisis
UK prisons face severe overcrowding with limited space for inmates.
## Leaked documents
Prison Service plans to double inmates in temporary prefab cells.
## Rapid deployment cells
Prefab 'pods' designed for one inmate now to hold two.
## Capacity plan
476 extra prison spaces to be created through cell doubling.
## Labour's plan
Labour's early release plan reversed after U-turns.
## Security concerns
Prison officers warn of staff walkouts over health risks.
## Risk assessment
Prison safety requires risk assessment for doubled cells.
## Current status
RDCs first installed at HMP Norwich in 2023.
## Leaked email
Prison Service email urges quick capacity assessment.
## Safety limits
Doubled cells risk breaching operational capacity limits.
## Mark Fairhurst
Prison officers warn doubled cells could cause staff walkouts.
## Tom Wheatley
RDCs are least secure cells requiring risk assessment.
## Ministry response
Ministry says cells doubled only where safe.
## Prison capacity
Prison Service aims to maximize available prison capacity.
## Health risks
Doubled cells increase health and safety risks for staff.
## Next steps
Prison Service to finalize cell doubling plan by next week.
## Key takeaway

UK prison service plans to double inmates in temporary prefab cells to address overcrowding crisis, sparking security concerns.