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<p>We remain committed to reducing crowding across the prison estate. In the year
to March 2019, the proportion of prisoners held in crowded accommodation was 22.5%,
down from 24.2% the previous year and levels of around 25% experienced since 2004.</p><p>The
Prime Minister’s pledge to invest up to £2.5 billion to create 10,000 additional prison
places will have a positive impact on lowering the proportion of crowding in the prison
estate, providing accommodation that is safe, decent and uncrowded. However, the extent
to which the proportion of prisoners held in crowded accommodation will reduce will
be dependent on future prison population levels.</p><p>Sentencing must match the severity
of the crime and protecting the public will always be our priority. The sentencing
reforms announced by the Government will ensure serious violent and sexual offenders
spend longer in prison. The impact on the prison population will build up gradually
over a number of years, and we will ensure that we have enough places for offenders
sent by the courts.</p>
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