The Privy Council: history, functions and membership
A briefing paper on the history, functions and membership of the Privy Council

In November 2013, the National Offender Management Service revised the Incentives and Earned Privileges scheme for prisoners. The changes have been controversial, particularly in relation to prisoners’ ability to have steel-stringed guitars or to receive books sent from outside prison. It was reported on 29 July 2014 that, in response to feedback from prison governors, the ban on steel-stringed guitars had been reversed, although the ban on receiving books would remain.
Prisoners: Incentives and Earned Privileges Scheme (325 KB , PDF)
In November 2013, the National Offender Management Service revised the Incentives and Earned Privileges scheme for prisoners – this was the first review of the policy for 10 years. When coming to his role as Justice Secretary, Chris Grayling announced that the current policy was in need of an overhaul. He said that he wanted to ensure that the new policy properly addressed the issue of reoffending and was something that the public would have confidence in.
The changes have been controversial, particularly in relation to prisoners’ ability to have steel-stringed guitars in their possession or to receive books sent from outside prison.
It was reported on 29 July 2014 that, in response to feedback from prison governors, the ban on steel-stringed guitars had been reversed, although the ban on receiving books would remain.
Prisoners: Incentives and Earned Privileges Scheme (325 KB , PDF)
A briefing paper on the history, functions and membership of the Privy Council
Learn more about the UK Supreme Court, how it came into existence, and why it replaced the House of Lords as the UK's highest court.
A debate on the sentencing of repeat offenders will take place in Westminster Hall scheduled for Tuesday 21st June 2022, from 2:30pm. Grahame Morris MP will open the debate.