UK prison call rates - 2026

Last updated: 9 April 2026

At a glance

  • UK mobiles: 5.50p/min on weekdays; 3.60p/min at weekends.
  • UK landlines: 2.48p/min on weekdays; 2.20p/min at weekends.
  • Minimum charge: 10p per call (applies to every call, regardless of duration).
  • Effective period: new rates took effect and apply until .
  • Week vs weekend: HMPPS defines week as 00:00 Sunday → 12:00 Friday and weekend as 12:00 Friday → 24:00 Sunday (UK local time).

Source: Ministry of Justice (letter to the Justice Committee, 1 July 2025). See references at the end.

Current rates (England & Wales public prison estate)

These are the standard tariffs applied by the prison phone system to UK numbers. Many privately managed prisons have aligned to these rates; check locally if you’re unsure.

Per‑minute tariffs charged to the prisoner’s phone account
Destination Week (00:00 Sun → 12:00 Fri) Weekend (12:00 Fri → 24:00 Sun)
UK Landline (01/02) 2.48p 2.20p
UK Mobile (07) 5.50p 3.60p
Minimum call charge: 10p per call.

These tariffs are set nationally; international call rates vary by country and are used infrequently. The Samaritans helpline is free of charge from prison phones.

What changed on 1 April 2025?

HMPPS negotiated a 20% reduction to calls to UK landlines and mobiles in the public prison estate, effective from through . Many privately managed prisons have since aligned their tariffs.

The 10p minimum call charge (short call effect)

Every call has a 10p minimum. Short calls below the thresholds below will be charged 10p even if the per‑minute math would be lower:

  • Mobile (weekday): up to ~1m 49s will cost 10p.
  • Mobile (weekend): up to ~2m 47s will cost 10p.
  • Landline (weekday): up to ~4m 02s will cost 10p.
  • Landline (weekend): up to ~4m 33s will cost 10p.

Break‑even times are approximate and shown for guidance only.

What typical calls cost (examples)

Below are rounded examples showing the prisoner’s spend for common call lengths. We also include an example of using a local geographic number service (so the prisoner calls a landline) priced at 2.20p/min for the family (equivalent to 1,000 minutes for £22). Adjust the “family rate” column if your plan differs.

Costs for selected call durations (all figures in pence)
Scenario 2 min 10 min 15 min
Direct to mobile (weekday) 11.0 55.0 82.5
Direct to mobile (weekend) 10.0 36.0 54.0
Prisoner calls landline (weekday) 10.0 24.8 37.2
Prisoner calls landline (weekend) 10.0 22.0 33.0


  • Why use a local number? It reduces how much the prisoner spends from their phone account (vs calling your mobile). For example, the prisoner’s weekday spend on a 10‑minute call falls from 55.0p → 24.8p (about 55% less), and at weekends from 36.0p → 22.0p (about 39% less).

Ways to save (and stay compliant)

  • Local geographic number: Your loved one calls a standard landline that forwards to your mobile. They are charged the landline rate shown above (after prison approval of the number on their PIN list).
  • 0800 (Freephone): Used where you want your loved one to pay £0 from their prison phone credit. Acceptance of non‑geographic numbers can vary by establishment; check locally before relying on this option.
  • Always follow prison rules: numbers must be approved on the prisoner’s PIN list, calls are monitored/recorded, and forwarding must not be used to bypass security or call unapproved numbers.

Ready to cut weekday call costs?

Get a local number so your loved one pays the landline rate (2.48p/min weekdays, 2.20p/min weekends). We handle PIN setup guidance.

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FAQs

Do these rates apply everywhere in the UK?

They apply to the public prison estate in England & Wales. Many privately managed prisons have aligned to these tariffs, but local variation is possible. Scotland and Northern Ireland operate separate estates and may publish different rates.

Are any numbers free to call?

Yes. The Samaritans helpline is free of charge from prison phones. Other charity or helpline numbers may also be free where designated by HMPPS.

How are weekdays and weekends defined?

Week is 00:00 Sunday to 12:00 Friday; Weekend is 12:00 Friday to 24:00 Sunday (UK local time).

Why did rates change in 2025?

The Ministry of Justice agreed a 20% reduction to UK landline and mobile call tariffs for the public prison estate, effective 1 April 2025 through 31 May 2027.

References

  1. Ministry of Justice letter to the Justice Committee (1 July 2025) — confirms the 20% reduction, exact tariffs (2.48p/2.20p landline; 5.50p/3.60p mobile), weekday/weekend definitions, the 10p minimum call charge, free Samaritans calls, and that rates apply until 31 May 2027.
  2. Inside Time: “Lower phone tariffs revealed” (14 July 2025) — press coverage summarising the new rates for people in custody.