Prisoners are demanding a pay rise as jail shops become unaffordable amid costing of living crisis
PRISONERS are demanding a pay rise as prices soar in their jail shop.
Lags at HMP Wakefield are struggling to afford items such as vaping products.
Toothpaste, shower gel and Weetabix are also costing them more — with their moans revealed in a report by inspectors.
Other inmates, many serving life for murder, also complained that food in the dining hall was often served too early, and they did not have access to kettles.
David Hine, of Victim Care, said last night: “It’s ridiculous when 0.01 per cent of the justice budget is spent on caring for the victims of homicide and violent crime.
“No one cares about them having a hard time in prison, they should be.”
Prisoners can earn a wage — usually £10 to £20 a week — by working in jail or being in education.
This can be spent on catalogue items, within an allowed maximum.
The report by HM Chief Inspector of Prisons states: “Prisoners could access an impressive range of catalogues. Sixty per cent of respondents said the shop provided things that they needed. Throughout the inspection, prisoners, especially those waiting for jobs, complained at wages not keeping pace with the increasing price of goods.”
The jail houses 600 lags including Jeremy Bamber, 62, who shot his family dead in Essex in 1985, plus serial killer and paedo Sidney Cooke, 95.
The Prison Service declined to comment.
- TRANS prisoners at the jail can order make-up and nail varnish through Avon’s cosmetics catalogue, the report reveals.