One night in Police Cells cost more than a week in the Canaries

9.45.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 29th Jan 2008

Jenny Willott MP - "The Government's incompetence in managing our prison system is leaving the taxpayer picking up a huge bill."

New figures obtained by the Liberal Democrats show that the Government is spending £459 per night every time a police cell is used to house a prisoner, more than the Government's own estimate of £385, and more than a week-long stay in a Canary Island holiday villa.

The statistics, revealed in a parliamentary answer to Lib Dem Justice Spokesperson, Jenny Willott, show how much each police force invoiced the Ministry of Justice for costs incurred under 'Operation Safeguard' - the Government's contingency plan to deal with prison overcrowding. Last year, 60, 953 prisoners were housed in police cells under Operation Safeguard at a total cost of £28m.

The Liberal Democrats said "The Government's incompetence in managing our prison system is leaving the taxpayer picking up a huge bill. Rather than spending public money sensibly on our police and measures to reduce reoffending, the Government is squandering millions on desperate attempts to find places to house prisoners."