Real-term funding per prisoner in Jersey has fallen by more than a third since 2018, according to a new report that lays bare mounting pressure inside the island’s only jail.
The States of Jersey Prison Service’s latest annual report reveals that rising inmate numbers and inflation have significantly eroded resources, warning that “population growth and inflation have outpaced funding in recent years”.
The report revealed that HMP La Moye is grappling with “considerable cost pressures” and rising prisoner numbers.
The average daily population surged to 175 in 2025 – a 13% increase on the previous year and 27% higher than in 2023 – with the prison operating at up to 92% capacity during peak periods.
The prison is designed to hold a maximum of 200 inmates, with the report stating that “investment will be necessary to expand the current accommodation capacity”.
Pressure is particularly acute in the Vulnerable Prisoner Unit, which exceeded its maximum capacity for a full week in September, forcing the use of emergency cells.
At the same time, opportunities for prisoners to work are slipping backwards. Although 196 prisoners were employed during the year, the overall employment rate fell from 89% to 82%.
“The prison has a limited number of roles [for inmates] available and while the same volume of individuals was employed, the increased prison population caused a lower overall employment rate percentage,” the report said.
Staff shortages and limited facilities have also hampered education and vocational training, with the report citing “a lack of resilience in the Education and Activities department and financial constraints.”
It comes after an independent report published last month revealed that education staffing inside the prison dropped from five teachers in 2019 to just 2.84 full-time equivalents in 2025 – despite a rising prison population.
The Independent Prison Monitoring Board’s latest annual report raised concerns about the state of learning and rehabilitation inside HMP La Moye, warning that staffing cuts and financial pressures are undermining prisoners’ chances of turning their lives around.
“Whilst some prisoners report positive employment, training and education activities, others report waiting times and availability of courses is frustrating and demotivating,” the board said.
Functional skills classes, creative-writing sessions and even the prison book club were all paused due to staff shortages, leaving gaps in activity and incomplete records.
“We wonder whether it is realistic to expect the prison alone to have the required resources and competencies to operate an education function to serve the broad needs of the prison population,” the report said, confirming the issue has been raised with ministers.
In the States of Jersey Prison Service report, governor Paul Yates said the service had remained “secure, safe and consistent during a period of significant pressure,” but acknowledged the growing strain on infrastructure and resources.
He added: “The year ahead will focus on improving our offer to prisoners, continuous business improvement, ensuring budgetary compliance, progression of His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons recommendations, enhancing community partnerships, strengthening support for complex needs, and advancing long‑term infrastructure planning.”
