More prisons than ever have been rated a "serious concern" including Chelmsford
Chelmsford prison is currently 132% over-capacity
Last updated 4th Aug 2025
More prisons than ever have been given a rating of "serious concern" by the Ministry of Justice, including Chelmsford.
The Essex prison has been placed in the bottom of four ranks, alongside Manchester, Wandsworth, Exeter, and Nottingham.
This rating is the lowest possible in a performance assessment system, signifying major issues in areas like public protection, reducing reoffending, decency, and resource management.
Chelmsford prison had previously received a positive inspection report in January 2024.
Andrew Neilson from penal charity The Howard League says receiving this ranking means it's likely Chelmsford Prison will receive another inspection shortly.
"It's disappointing Chelmsford has received this rating because it received quite a positive report in its last inspection.
"This rating suggests things have gone downhill.
"It's always been a challenging prison. It's an old jail, and it's overcrowded. There is a real drug problem, with drones often used to transport them in, and there is a lot of violence between inmates.
Mr Neilson tells Greatest Hits Radio it's "likely" the prison will receive another inspection report shortly.
Chelmsford is a Reception prison meaning it holds people on remand or who've been convicted but not yet sentenced.
It is currently 132% over capacity which is higher than the national average, holding 650 prisoners with a capacity for just fewer than 500.
The performance ratings come amid concerns over rising deaths in prisons which has seen a 30% increase in the last year, as well as the highest rate of self-harm since records began in 2004.
In the 12 months to June 2025, 401 people died in prison, compared to 308 in the previous 12 months.
The increase was reflective of a rise in deaths classified as natural causes and awaiting further information.
Mr Neilson explains there is a "changing demographic" in prisons.
"We are seeing the prison population get much older, which partly explains the rise in natural deaths.
"There is also a rise in deaths which haven't yet been classified and I suspect that is related to an issue that Chelmsford certainly suffers from which is drugs in prison.
"That won't necessarily mean overdosing, but deaths linked to drug-taking such as heart attacks.
The government Safety in Custody statistics also revealed seven people died as a result of homicide in the 12 months to June 2025. In the 12 months prior, there were no homicides.
Mr Neilson believes the dramatic rise in in-prison deaths is linked to overcrowding.
"Overcrowding puts the system under huge pressure.
"We need to do something about this urgently. It is unconscionable to see a 30% rise in deaths in custody, and these continued spikes in self-harm and assault.
"The early release scheme introduced by the Government certainly releases pressure but it is an emergency measure.
"We need lasting solutions so prisons can focus on the people they are holding and properly direct resources in that direction.
"Exposing people to these failing institutions where deaths, distress, and violence, is the norm, is no way to prepare individuals for safe and crime-free life on release."
What does the Government say?
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said:
“These statistics once again lay bare the extent of the crisis facing our prisons – with levels of violence, assaults on staff and self-harm far too high.
“The Government has made it clear it will do whatever we can to protect our hardworking staff – which is why we are trialling tasers in prisons and mandated protective body armour for prison officers working with the most dangerous offenders.
"But it is clear fundamental change is needed, which is why we’re also reforming our jails so they create better citizens, not better criminals."