The annual cost of the operation of the prison system per head of the prison population was approximately £34,000 in 1991. This equates to approximately £2,800 per month.
These figures do not include any element in respect of capital expenditure. They are arrived at by taking the annual gross expenditure for the Prisons Vote, as shown in the Appropriation Accounts, deducting Appropriations-in-Aid and expenditure not connected with the running of the prisons (Probation and Welfare Service and community service orders' scheme, and adding relevant costs borne on other Votes (superannuation and teachers' salaries).
A breakdown between each prison and place of detention for 1991 is not available. The relevant breakdown for 1990 is as follows: