Jail builds ‘too slow’

PRISONS could be overrun before new jails have been built, the Government has warned.

It expects 18,500 more inmates by 2026 so plans to spend £3.75billion on creating 20,000 extra places.

But planning permission hitches mean they may not be ready in time.

Ministry of Justice spokesman Chris Hays said: “There is a real risk there will be insufficient accommodation for the number of prisoners expected.”