Inmates are set to be moved to open prisons to alleviate overcrowding, according to government plans.

Although 75% of prisoners have their own cells, officials state that prisons across England and Wales are still grappling with persistent overcrowding. Sky News has learned that, as of Monday, offenders serving standard sentences may be transferred to open or category D prisons up to three years sooner than before, in order to create space in higher-security facilities.

Open prisons feature minimal security measures and permit eligible inmates to spend time on day release, under licence conditions, for work or educational purposes.

The Prison Governors' Association expressed “concerns” about the initiative to Sky News;

“This would still mean that after just two weeks in prison a man serving a seven and a half year prison sentence could be moved to an open prison, where there are no physical barriers like high walls, fences, secure gates and minimal staff supervision that could prevent prisoners from simply walking out,” the association stated.

While prison governors will have some authority to assess the risks of such transfers, it is understood there will be a “presumption” in favour of approving the move.