PRISONERS face “systemic” delays to accessing their personal property, a new report has said.

The HM Inspectorate of Prisons found that too many inmates are unable to access important items such as clothing, shoes, books and photographs.

“There are often delays in processing disability aids and prescribed medication, which can affect prisoners’ physical and mental health,” the report said.

“Accessing stored property, such as smart clothes for court appearances or phone books containing family numbers, can also be problematic.

“Some prisoners attend court or are released without their house keys, mobile phones or bank cards, with many of these items lost in prison.”

Chief Inspector Charlie Taylor said: “Being able to access personal items, such as photographs or books, matters a great deal when you are locked in your cell for long periods of time.

“The continued, persistent barriers to property access across the estate undermines prisoner well-being, damages their trust in the system and ultimately contributes to more unsafe conditions in our prisons.”