On 21 October 2024, the prison population of England and Wales stood at 87,465 against a Useable Operational Capacity of 89,136 - Prison population: weekly estate figures 2024 - GOV.UK. That is a prison service sailing close to the wind at 98,13% full.
6 years ago, on 3 August 2018, the figures were 83,107 against capacity 86,012. That is 96.62%.
Admittedly that is a mere snapshot but indicates a system that has NOT suddenly started to struggle but one that has been running close to capacity for many years. The capacity issue ought to have been addressed by the previous government.
Action taken by the present government includes Emergency action taken on prison population and the announcement of a Landmark Sentencing Review launched to end prison crisis - GOV.UK to be led by former (Conservative) Secretary of State for Justice / Lord Chancellor Mr David Gauke.
Whilst the sentencing review has some limitations such as