CLINKFLATION

RISING PRICE OF KEEPING A CON IN JAIL

- BY JENNIFER HYLAND

THE cost of keeping an inmate in jail has rocketed by an inflation-busting £5120 a year, figures obtained by the Sunday Mail have revealed.

Accounts released under freedom of information show the bill for providing a single jail place rose from £47,140 in 2023-24 to £52,260 in 2024-25.

The huge 11 per cent increase - at a time when inflation is about three per cent - comes amid record numbers of prisoners, with the daily population sitting at 8213.

To combat overcrowding, the Scottish Government has carried out three early release schemes.

Scottish Lib Dem justice spokesman Liam McArthur has called for fewer prisoners to be held unconvicted on remand.

He said: "The high number of prisoners on remand is increasing the severe pressure on our prison system.