The funding situation for educational provision in UK prisons is a national disgrace. Prisons provide free room and board, and inmates are frequently given access to the internet, cable TV, and gym facilities. At the same time, lengthy waiting lists exist for prison literacy classes, and ever increasing budget cuts put pressure on prison library resources. Meanwhile, it is estimated that at least half of UK prisoners possess a reading age of eleven or less. If society wants to reduce the chances of prisoners reoffending upon their release, we must give them the opportunity to develop the literacy skills they need to build a successful life outside prison.