Prison Town Integration and Regulation Act 2024

An Act to amend the Prison Act 1952, Offender Rehabilitation Act 2014, and other relevant legislation to provide for the establishment, regulation, and governance of Prison Towns, ensuring the rights, rehabilitation, and reintegration of prisoners, and for connected purposes.

Be it enacted by the King's most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, in this present Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:—

Part 1: Definitions and Establishment

Section 1: Definitions

1. Prison Town - A designated secure community where prisoners reside, designed for rehabilitation through work, education, and community involvement, separate from the general populace.

Section 2: Establishment of Prison Towns

1. The Secretary of State may, by regulation, designate areas as Prison Towns, subject to approval by Parliament.

Part 2: Amendments to Existing Legislation

Section 3: Amendment to the Prison Act 1952

1. Insert after Section 13:
   "13A: Residence in Prison Towns

   • (1) Prisoners may be assigned to a Prison Town for rehabilitation as part of their sentence where applicable.

   • (2) Earnings from work in Prison Towns shall be taxed at a rate set by the Treasury, with deductions for maintenance, victim compensation, and savings."

Section 4: Amendment to the Offender Rehabilitation Act 2014

1. Insert after Section 2:
   "2A: Supervision in Prison Towns

   • (1) All prisoners in Prison Towns will be under supervision for at least 12 months post-release, or for the duration of their sentence if less than 12 months.

   • (2) Breach of supervision requirements in a Prison Town will follow the guidelines set in Schedule 1 of this Act."
     Schedule 1: Breach of Supervision Requirements

   • Details on the procedures for breaches, sanctions, and potential return to traditional incarceration.

Section 5: Surveillance and Security

1. Amend Section 47 of the Prison Act 1952:
   
   

"47A: Surveillance in Prison Towns

1. • (1) Surveillance shall ensure security while respecting privacy, governed by the Prison Town Surveillance Protocol (PTSP)."
     
     

Statutory Instrument: Prison Town Surveillance Protocol (PTSP)

1. • Outlines the extent, technology, and oversight of surveillance within Prison Towns.

Part 3: Legal Protections and Rights

Section 6: Rights of Prison Town Residents

1. Residents retain rights not explicitly restricted by incarceration, including:

   • Access to legal counsel, education, and vocational training.

Section 7: Economic Model

1. Establishment of an economic framework where:

   • A Prisoner Earnings Scheme ensures fair compensation for work, with mandated allocations for personal savings, victim restitution, and town maintenance.

Part 4: Implementation and Oversight

Section 8: Prison Town Oversight Committee

1. Establishment of a committee to:

   • Monitor compliance with legal standards,

   • Review economic and rehabilitative effectiveness,

   • Ensure the protection of prisoner rights.

Section 9: Transitional Provisions

1. Guidelines for transferring existing prisoners into the Prison Town system, ensuring legal rights are preserved.

Part 5: Final Provisions

Section 10: Commencement, Short Title, and Extent

1. Commencement - This Act comes into force six months after Royal Assent.

2. Short Title - This Act may be cited as the Prison Town Integration and Regulation Act 2024.

3. Extent - This Act extends to England and Wales.