Are prisoners allowed their own property whilst in prison?

Under current legislation prisoners cannot generally have items of property sent/taken into them unless in the first 28 days of their sentence.

Are there restrictions on what items of property a prisoner is allowed?

Yes, however property entitlement varies from prison to prison and can also be dictated by the regime level a prisoner is subject to. (A prisoner may be entitled to more items under the enhanced regime).

What happens to the property they have with them when they go into prison?

All items of property in a prisoner’s possession when they arrive at prison will be logged and marked down on their ‘property card’. Any restricted items or items over and above the permitted limit will be removed and placed in a bag which is sealed in front of the prisoner. These items will be returned to the prisoner upon release.

What happens if the prisoner has important documents or house or car keys with them when they go into prison?

A prisoner can make arrangements with the prison to hand out the items to visitors as soon as is practical. Some prisons do not allow prisoners to keep valuable items with them and the Prison Service will not accept responsibility for loss or damage of property unless it can be proved that the prison was at fault. In most cases it is advisable that the prisoners arranges for a relative or friend to pick the item up on a visit. If the prisoner decides they want to keep the item with them, or they want the prison to store it for them, they should tell the prison staff about the item so the details are correctly recorded on the property sheet.

Can I send or take property in to the prisoner?

Remand Prisoners
This depends on the particular establishment. Each prison has its own set of rules regarding property and how a prisoner can obtain the items they require. For example in some prisons you can hand property in on a visit whereas in others property can only be posted in. In certain prisons the prisoner has to purchase any items they require from their private cash or earnings through a catalogue affiliated to the prison. The set rules within each prison establishment can be found by clicking here (England and Wales) or the Scottish Prison Service website (Scotland). 

Convicted Prisoners
Friends and family are no longer able to send in items for prisoners by post or through visits unless there are exceptional circumstances. Prisoners now need to purchase items through catalogues that are within the prison. No prison allows food or drink, tobacco or cigarettes or toiletries to be handed or posted in to a prisoner. Magazines and newspapers can be purchased for the prisoner but this must be done through a local newsagent with whom the prison has an arrangement. Check with the prison before purchasing or sending any items to the prison for the prisoner. If a prisoner transfers to another prison then be aware that the property rules may change.

Does a prisoner get provided with toiletries or a change of clothes?

Some prisons require prisoners to wear a uniform which will be provided to the prisoner. In addition, if a prisoner does not have enough clothes the prison has to provide them with suitable clothing to keep them clean and warm. This includes underwear and socks. Most prisons provide prisoners with a reception pack upon entry which has things like soap and toothpaste in. The prisoner will then be able to buy extras from the prison shop, or canteen. The shop or canteen is not a shop in the traditional sense but is instead a list of items from which the prisoner can chose to purchase. Money is directly debited from the prisoner’s account to pay for any items ordered. A prisoner will never have access to physical money.

How does a prisoner get money to buy things at the canteen?

If a prisoner is participating in a course or has a job within the prison then they are paid a weekly wage. This amount varies dependent on the job or course the prisoner is participating in. The average weekly wage may be around £10. If a prisoner is not participating in work or training then s/he will be paid a weekly ‘unemployment’ allowance, this will be around 50p per day. Any money that a prisoner has on them upon arrival, plus any money they earn through training and work is placed in the prisoner’s personal account. Prisoner’s weekly spend entitlement varies depending on whether they are sentenced/convicted or on remand and also what regime they are subject to e.g. basic, standard or enhanced. Family or friends can also send prisoners money to put in their account.

How do I send money to a prisoner

From 2nd November 2020 the way prisoners can send and receive money has changed. You can no longer send money by bank transfer, cheque, postal order or send cash by post to any prison. You’ll need to send money through the Money to Prisoners Portal using a debit card instead. 

The Money to Prisoners Portal service is free, secure and available in all prisons in England and Wales except HMP Thameside. You can send money to a prisoner in HMP Thameside through a different service.

To get started on the Portal you will need the prisoner's date of birth and prisoner number.

If you cannot use the online service, you may be able to apply for an exemption - for example if you:

• are unable to use a computer, a smart phone or the internet
• do not have a debit card

Page last reviewed: 15 February 2021

---

Download and print our fact sheets:

Property and money PDF

Jargon buster PDF