Lowdham Grange Prison Shows Progress Amidst Lingering Issues

HM Inspectorate of Prisons reported considerable improvements at HMP Lowdham Grange in May 2026, following serious failures identified previously. The Category B jail is now more ordered, with a decrease in illicit drug supply and positive drug tests, although self-harm rates and the use of force have risen. Longstanding issues remain to be solved.

The Ministry of Justice, managing the prison since December 2023, acknowledged the progress. Previous inspections highlighted severe failings, nearly triggering an urgent notification process. Recent improvements include better drug prevention and segregation unit management. The prison is now fully staffed, reducing reliance on temporary personnel.

Despite staffing improvements, the use of force increased by 79%, with PAVA spray use nearly tripling. Governance and oversight of force incidents require more progress, and body-worn cameras were not always activated promptly. Self-harm incidents rose by 50%, with a significant increase in serious cases requiring hospitalization.

Healthcare services have been praised for robust leadership and improved governance. Drones continue to be a problem, but preventative measures are being installed. While considerable work is still needed, inspectors expressed confidence in the prison's established building blocks for future improvement.