The Closure of Prisons Order 2014

Special reasons in relation to the closure of HM Prison and Young Offender Institution Northallerton and HM Prison and Young Offender Institution Reading

3.—(1) The Secretary of State makes provision in article 2(c) and (d) for the special reasons(1) stated in paragraphs (2) and (3) respectively.

(2) The special reasons for the closure of HM Prison and Young Offender Institution Northallerton are that the Secretary of State considers—

(a) that the size and limitations in the existing physical infrastructure of HM Prison and Young Offender Institution Northallerton are such that it is appropriate to close it;

(b) that the closure of HM Prison and Young Offender Institution Northallerton will not have an adverse impact of the operation of the criminal courts in North Yorkshire; and

(c) that enough prison places are available in England and Wales to ensure that the closure of HM Prison and Young Offender Institution Northallerton will not have an adverse impact on the operation of the justice system.

(3) The special reasons for the closure of HM Prison and Young Offender Institution Reading are that the Secretary of State considers—

(a) that the size and limitations in the existing physical infrastructure of HM Prison and Young Offender Institution Reading are such that it is appropriate to close it;

(b) that the closure of HM Prison and Young Offender Institution Reading will not have an adverse impact on the operation of the criminal courts in Berkshire; and

(c) that enough prison places are available in England and Wales to ensure that the closure of HM Prison and Young Offender Institution Reading will not have an adverse impact on the operation of the justice system.

(1)

Section 37(2) of the Prison Act 1952 requires the Secretary of State, when providing for the closure of the only prison in the county, to state in the Order the special reasons for doing so.