News
X-ray body scanners installed at five women’s prisons while ban on their use remains
The Ministry of Justice has placed scanners in five women’s prisons ahead of a policy review that could end a ban on scanning female prisoners.
Prison profile
HMP & YOI New Hall
Women's prison Public (HMPPS)
Population317of 376 operational places (84%)
Last inspectedApril 2026Full inspection
Latest inspection
At its last full inspection (April 2026; report published July 2026), inspectors found outcomes for women were not sufficiently good for purposeful activity; good for safety, respect and preparation for release. It held 317 women at the time, against an operational capacity of 376.
Read our story Read the inspection report
Healthy prison tests: inspectors grade four areas from 1 (poor) to 4 (good).
Inspection history
- Safety: good · Respect: good · Purposeful activity: not sufficiently good · Preparation for release: good Read our story
- Safety: good · Respect: reasonably good · Purposeful activity: not sufficiently good · Rehabilitation and release planning: reasonably good Read our story
Our reporting
News
HMP New Hall rated good in three tests but education and work still fall short
Inspectors found a calm, caring women's prison with strong support for those at risk of self-harm, but raised concerns about mentally unwell women, drug supply and a narrow curriculum.
News
HMP & YOI New Hall safe and well led but regime too limited, inspectors found in 2023
An inspection report on HMP & YOI New Hall, published in March 2023, found a safe, respectful women's prison with excellent key work, but too many women locked up and excessive security.