Prison population in Lancashire

Prison population in Lancashire

There are five prisons in Lancashire with a combined population of 3,747 as at March 2023. The prison population in Lancashire represents 4.4% of the England and Wales population, excluding immigration removal centres. This figure has remained fairly static over the last ten years.

Although the combined operational capacity of these establishments totalled 3,747 in March 2023, the actual in-use certified normal accommodation figure (CAN) was 3,257 for the month. The Lancashire prison population as a percentage of the in-use certified normal accommodation figure was 115%, a slightly higher figure than for all prisons in England and Wales (excluding immigration removal centres), at 110%. Within Lancashire, HMP Preston had the greatest prison population as a percentage of the in-use certified normal accommodation figure at 156%, meaning that there is some over-crowding, HMP Kirkham had the lowest population percentage at 96%, yet still shows is mostly full to capacity.

The five Lancashire establishments employ 1,962 people. An increase of 16% since March 2022. 

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Page updated August 2023