The Ministry of Justice has announced that plans to build a 600 place prison in Maghull, Merseyside will not go ahead.

Following the Comprehensive Spending Review announcement on 20 October and the publication of last week's consultation Green Paper on sentencing and rehabilitation, it will now look in detail at the sentencing frameworks for adults and young offenders, and the full range of penalties currently available to sentencers. It will also look to overhaul the system of rehabilitation to reduce reoffending.

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A spokesperson said: "We will consult widely before bringing forward more detailed plans for reform.

"Long-term decisions on prison capacity programmes will be taken in the light of future policy developments and a projected fall in the number of offenders in custody. We will ensure that we meet prison capacity requirements more efficiently to improve value for money for the taxpayer and contribute savings to help reduce the budget deficit."

The Ministry of Justice has contacted the appointed contractor and informed them of its intent to withdraw.

(CD)