London boroughs not dealing with youth custody properly

An inspection of the London Boroughs of Enfield, Ealing, Lambeth and Tower Hamlets by the prisons inspectorate revealed a mixed picture, with some good practice, but some areas requiring improvement.

Inspectors found that Enfield and Ealing presented generally positive pictures but improvement was needed at Lambeth and Tower Hamlets.

The report found that in Tower Hamlets there was "limited recognition of the different needs of women and juveniles".

In Limehouse particularly, inspectors said there were considerable delays in the arrival of appropriate adults for juveniles.

This meant that juvenile detainees could be left in custody for some time without any support.

The appropriate adult scheme in Lambeth also came in for criticism.

Chief inspector of prisons, Anne Owers, said: "Our inspection has highlighted several areas that need speedy improvement.

"However, there is also much to commend in these reports and we have been pleased by the readiness of senior officers to use our findings to improve provision where needed."