Male prison spaces in England and Wales fall to lowest level of year

As of 1 September, there were about 1,500 free spaces in the male prison estate in England and Wales, down from 3,040 at the start of June, according to Ministry of Justice figures and prison sources. Justice Secretary Alex Norris is due to give more details in the Commons on changes to the early-release scheme, which aims to free up space as prisons near maximum capacity. Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced changes that will exclude manslaughter convicts from early release. The government plans to invest £110m to convert unused office space, laundry rooms, and storage into cells. Prisons are running at 97% capacity. The Prison Officers' Association chairman raised concerns about staffing. Under the scheme, about 4,500 prisoners are expected to be released in tranches from October.