Petition · Ministry of Justice

Cap cost of prison phone calls to 5p per minute & free weekly allowance

Closed 156 signatures

What the petition asks

I want the Government to make prison phone calls affordable by capping costs at no more than 5p per minute and introducing a free weekly call allowance for all prisoners. Communication is a right, not a privilege — we feel that no one should be priced out of staying connected to loved ones.
High prison call costs could force some families to skip essentials. Article 8 of the Human Rights Act outlines the right to respect for private and family life and UN Mandela Rules emphasise the importance of family contact. We feel providers profit from pain. Ministry of Justice research shows family visits cuts reoffending by 39%. We believe affordable calls could reduce isolation, improve mental health, and support rehabilitation.

Timeline

6 Aug 2025 Petition opened for signatures
6 Feb 2026 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 156
Status Closed
Department Ministry of Justice
Opened 6 Aug 2025
Closed 6 Feb 2026

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 10 Aug 2026.