HMP Liverpool has the third highest positive drug testing rate among reception prisons in England and Wales, according to a new report from prison inspectors. Despite a reduction in drug testing figures since last year, inspectors deemed the 'use of illicit substances remained unacceptably high'.
Prison inspectors revisited the Walton jail, which holds around 800 adult men, last month to review its progress after identifying significant concerns in 2025. Last year, Chief Inspector Charlie Taylor found the prison was well managed but was being targeted by serious organised crime gangs using drones to deliver drugs and contraband. He also noted that a much-needed refurbishment had stalled, suicide and self-harm rates were high, and too many prisoners were 'lying on their beds watching daytime television and taking drugs to pass the time'.
Progress and Persistent Issues
In a new report published today, Monday, Mr Taylor found that the prison had made good progress in supporting men in crisis, with self-harm rates reducing by a third since the previous inspection. More robust management of staff sickness absence levels had led to improved attendance to run the regime consistently, though levels were still high. However, the quality of education was far from good enough, and living conditions were not adequate, with older buildings still awaiting refurbishment. Drug recovery had strengthened, but substance use remained too high.
Mr Taylor said: 'At this review visit we found evidence of steady progress in areas that were within the direct control of the committed and capable prison leaders... More robust management of staff sickness absence levels had led to improved attendance and, although these were still too high, staffing levels were now sufficient to run the regime consistently. We consequently found fewer prisoners locked up during the working day.'
Ofsted Findings on Education
The chief inspector added: 'However, our partners from Ofsted found insufficient progress in all the themes they reviewed. The curriculum, the quality of education, attendance at activities and support for those with low reading abilities were still far from good enough.'
Last year, inspectors found random mandatory drug testing was the highest of any reception prison at 46%. The prison had reduced it to 35% through drug strategy and recovery, while also introducing specific support for ketamine users. Mobile phone finds had also decreased significantly, as had drug finds. The inspectors also found that the prison had worked with local police to mitigate physical security risks.
Self-Harm and Staffing Improvements
Inspectors found the prison's self-harm rates had fallen by a third in the past six months, underpinned by strong staff-prisoner relationships. Mr Taylor said his staff saw practical action being taken against complex individuals, including family contact and substance misuse support. The inspectorate team last year found public protection arrangements with around two-thirds of the sentenced population assessed as presenting a high or very high risk of serious harm. A specific unit had been set up to help, but some prisoners with clear risks had not been assessed promptly or accurately.
Staffing concerns have been extensively reported, particularly regarding experienced officers going off on long-term sick leave. The inspectors found that since last year's visit, sickness absence had decreased by a third, from a peak average of 22 days per person per year to around 14.
Living Conditions and Regime
Inspectors found cells were 'reasonably well-equipped and communal areas were generally clean'. But they added that living conditions were still not good enough on older units and too many repairs remained outstanding. Refurbishments on the older wings of the Victorian-era prison were expected to resume shortly. Some of the most significant findings centred around the prisoner regime. Although inspectors found fewer prisoners were being locked up during the working day, the number of unemployed inmates was still too high, at around 200 prisoners. The regime still provided only two hours a day out of cell for unemployed prisoners.
Ofsted, which supported prison inspectors, determined there was an insufficient and unambitious curriculum to allow prisoners to make progress in their learning. As a result, too many prisoners had not developed knowledge and skills. Mr Taylor added: 'Greater ambition is now needed to make sure that prisoners can spend their time more productively in purposeful activity.'
