Prison Spends Thousands on Fish Tank Amid Dilapidated Conditions

A prison spent almost £8,000 on a fish tank while inmates lived in bad conditions. The tank is in the induction area at HMP Winchester, where new prisoners only spend about 45 minutes. It was installed two years ago.

Inmates think the fish tank is a joke, considering their crumbling buildings, drug problems, and lack of basics. Everyone talked about the cost, and prison staff also complained. The Ministry of Justice confirmed the tank cost, about £7,890 in March 2023, used local prison funds.

A past inmate saw the tank briefly, saying you only see it for 45 minutes while getting bedding and phone numbers. He heard it cost around £10,000. The prison didn’t share the fish cost. He described the tank as large with glowing fish.

He questioned the tank’s purpose, noting the lack of writing supplies; it won’t relieve the distress during prison arrival. He knew the price from officers, and some officers miss the old ways and mistrust their colleagues.

A report called the prison filthy and poor, noting some cells might not be fit to live in. A third of CCTV cameras were broken, and they needed to fix the site’s failing parts. The inspection happened last month.

Georgia Swift, a former magistrate who now campaigns about prisons, asked about the fish tank cost. The prison said it was to calm new prisoners, and staff care for it. Prisoners think it helps in reception.

Georgia finds it hard to justify the expense, citing budget cuts that caused jail issues. Staff told her about delayed letters caused by a broken copier, and they could not buy a replacement.

She knows some want bad conditions for prisoners and may also want to know where money goes. The Ministry of Justice was contacted for comments.