Prisoners may get TVs as rewards

PRISONERS who behave could get greater access to perks including in-cell televisions and video games.

Inmates who steer clear of contraband and take part in education and employment programmes could also enjoy increased gym time and extra family visits under new proposals.

The Ministry of Justice yesterday began a consultation on a new incentives and earned Privileges policy for jails in England and Wales.

It would give governors more freedom to reward convicts who stay out of trouble and ‘want to turn their lives around’ – or punish those who misbehave. Offenders who flout the rules will be assigned to the most basic regimes and living conditions.