A prison has recorded more violence, drug use and rat infestations as operational pressures, including staff shortages, continue.

An Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) noted the slew of concerns at Rutland's Stocken Prison in a report, covering a 12 month period between May 1 2025 and April 30 2026.

Furthermore, the category C prison has also suffered from an "ineffective" sewage arrangement and malfunctioning heating and hot water systems – issues which have "presented challenges to the staff and have negatively impacted prisoners".

"Throughout the reporting year, prisoners and staff faced significant challenges, including staffing shortages, an increase in violence, delays in transfers for seriously mentally ill prisoners and ongoing issues with the prison's infrastructure," Stuart Williams, the IMB chair at Stocken Prison, said.

"Despite the shortages of officers and other resources, the Board continues to observe the high levels of morale and the determination to turn prisoners' lives around displayed daily by prison staff."

According to the report, staff shortages resulted in a 54% drop in key working support sessions – noted as particularly important for prisoner safety and rehabilitation – between 2024 and 2025, in favour of "other operational requirements". Early 2026 data suggests this year's figure could drop even further.

However, notwithstanding its challenges the board found Stocken Prison to be a "generally safe place for both prisoners and staff", highlighting a downward trend in self-harming incidents, from 718 to 607, and enhanced medical provisions as particularly strong improvements.

The IMB has written to the relevant Government minister seeking resolutions to the prison's challenges.

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