The prison population is close to total capacity

Prison population and capacity in England and Wales, thousands

95

Useable

capacity

Maximum

capacity*

Population

90

85

80

Crowded accommodation

75

Decent accommodation

70

2012

2014

2016

2018

2020

2022

2024

95

Useable capacity

Maximum capacity*

Population

90

85

Crowded accommodation

80

75

Decent accommodation

70

2012

2014

2016

2018

2020

2022

2024

95

Useable capacity

Maximum capacity*

Population

90

85

Crowded accommodation

80

75

Decent accommodation

70

2012

2014

2016

2018

2020

2022

2024

Guardian graphic. Source: Ministry of Justice, data to June 2024. Note: *The upper limit of prison capacity minus the margin needed to provide accommodation for different classes of prisoner