Explanatory note

These Rules amend the Prison Rules 1999 (“the 1999 Rules”). Rule 2 of these Rules introduces the Schedule, which sets out the amendments to the 1999 Rules.

Paragraphs 1 and 5 of the Schedule make inconsequential amendments to the 1999 Rules to correct small errors.

Paragraph 2 of the Schedule amends rule 46 of the 1999 Rules to clarify the meaning of a close supervision centre and recognise the possibility that prisoners placed in such centres may be transferred between prisons.

Paragraphs 3 and 4 of the Schedule provide for a number of new disciplinary offences relating to racist behaviour by prisoners. The new offences are racially aggravated assault; causing racially aggravated damage to, or destruction of, any part of a prison or any other property, other than a prisoner’s own; using threatening, abusive or insulting racist words or behaviour; and displaying, attaching or drawing on any part of a prison, or on any other property, threatening, abusive or insulting racist material.