South Oxfordshire prison, HMP Huntercombe was found to be “well led and progressive” but also to have missed opportunities to increase time out of cell safely.

HM Inspectorate of Prisons (HMIP) conducted a scrutiny visit inspection in December 2020.

The prison held about 400 men, a reduction in the size of the population since inspectors last visited in 2017.

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Charlie Taylor, HM chief inspector of prisons, said: “Lower prisoner numbers contributed to the ability of staff to deliver a consistent regime throughout the pandemic and prisoners were able to have a shower and take outside exercise every day. However, most still spent 23 hours a day in their cells, and this was affecting mental health for some. “

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