A new men's resettlement prison may not now open until next year as there are already enough prison places for inmates, according to the Government.

Downview prison, next to High Down, in Sutton Lane, Banstead, closed as a women’s prison last October. 

In May, the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) said it would re-open as an adult male Category C resettlement prison by October.

The MoJ submitted a planning application earlier this year to Reigate and Banstead Council to build a new education centre at Downview so prisoners can "use their time in custody constructively" and "learn new skills and gain qualifications before their release".

But when asked by the Epsom Guardian this week when Downview would be re-opening, a MoJ spokesman said: "We monitor prison population fluctuations and accommodation needs constantly.

"Currently we do not need to open Downview in October and expect to open it later in the year or early in the new year - contributing to our overall approach to drive down costs.

"All work at the prison remains on target to be delivered by the end of this year."

When asked to confirm that Downview will not be opening by October because there are not enough prisoners to be housed there, rather than there not being enough prison officers to be redeployed to Downview, the spokesman said: "We do not need to open Downview at this time as we have sufficient places."

Resettlement prisons are designed to help prisoners, particularly those who have been serving longer sentences, prepare for release.

They form an important part of Justice Secretary Chris Grayling’s plans for a "rehabilitation revolution" in the country’s prison estate by creating a nationwide ‘through the prison gate’ support service for offenders from custody into the community.

Category C prisoners are those who cannot be trusted in open conditions, but are unlikely to try to escape.

As part of the resettlement arrangements, some prisoners are able to go out to training or work from the prison.

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