The Government has announced a new package of measures targeting drones and illegal drugs in prisons, alongside plans aimed at improving employment and accommodation for offenders leaving custody.
Lord Chancellor Alex Norris said technology companies will be invited to develop and test new counter-drone systems as part of the next phase of a £6.5 million UK Research and Innovation investment.
The Ministry of Justice has also announced an expansion of specialist substance-free living units, new construction training opportunities for prisoners and changes intended to prioritise visible Community Payback projects nominated by the public.
New technology to target prison drones
Technology firms will be invited to develop and test new methods of tackling drones around prisons, which are increasingly being used to smuggle drugs, weapons and mobile phones into the prison estate.
The next phase forms part of a £6.5 million UK Research and Innovation investment. Companies will be able to bid for a share of up to £900,000 to test new counter-drone solutions.
The Ministry of Justice said there were 1,497 recorded drone incidents at prisons in England and Wales in the year to March 2026.
The new programme follows £35 million announced in June to strengthen security at prisons considered most at risk, including the installation of heavy-duty window grilles.
Drug-free units expanded to more prisons
Incentivised Substance-Free Living units will be expanded to a further 12 prisons by the end of 2027/28, taking the total number funded across the prison estate to 100.
The units provide dedicated accommodation for prisoners who commit to living without illicit drugs. They include regular drug testing and access to support intended to help prisoners remain drug-free or recover from addiction.
The Government cited research indicating that prisoners on effectively run units were more than 30 per cent less likely to become involved in violence, self-harm or disorder.
Construction training for prisoners
The Government will also expand its Future Skills Programme, with around 750 prisoners expected to benefit from training and work experience linked to jobs in the construction industry.
New Construction Academies will have direct links with employers, while eligible prisoners may be able to undertake work experience on Release on Temporary Licence, subject to risk assessment.
Changes to Community Payback
The Ministry of Justice said greater priority will be given to visible Community Payback projects nominated by members of the public, including graffiti removal, litter picking, clearing wasteland and improving public spaces.
A new framework will be introduced across England and Wales to provide a more consistent approach to prioritising this work.
Plans are also being developed to train supervisors as NVQ assessors, allowing offenders to gain recognised qualifications for skills developed while completing unpaid work.
New system to help prison leavers find accommodation
A new digital service called Find and Manage Accommodation will be rolled out nationally to help prison and probation staff identify suitable housing and support for people leaving prison.
The Government says improving access to employment and stable accommodation is intended to reduce reoffending. These are policy objectives and should not be treated as guaranteed outcomes of the measures announced.