The Catholic Bishops for Prisons group has called on the Government to take urgent action to prevent overcrowding in prisons. Following a report by the House of Commons Justice Select Committee on prison planning and policies, Bishop Richard Moth said: “This report highlights the severe consequences of overcrowding and under-resourcing, that are being faced by prisoners and staff. “Because of the expanding prison population and significant cuts to staffing levels, people are spending increasing lengths of time locked in their cells, sometimes amid completely inappropriate conditions. The committee’s inquiry has reiterated a link between this situation and the rising levels of violence, self-harm and suicide in prisons.” The Bishop also said that prisoners were facing difficulty attending religious services. He said: “It also draws attention to the growing number of cases in which no one is available to escort prisoners from their cells to educational activities. We know that some prisoners are unable to attend worship or access chaplaincy services for the same reason. This not only undermines people’s basic dignity but can also stand in the way of effective rehabilitation. “I hope that the government will take these findings seriously and act urgently to reverse the worsening situation in our criminal justice system.” The report also expressed expressed "grave concern" regarding increases in assaults on prison staff and inmates between 2012 and 2014. It also highlighted its concern about suicides, self-harm and indiscipline in prisons as a result of public sector cuts.