The Government’s decision to end Friday releases from prison has been welcomed as ‘positive news’ by local authority leaders.
As part of a package of prison reforms announced by the Government yesterday, the release of selected offenders will be brought forward by up to 48 hours, so that former prisoners have time to access essential services before the end of the week.
Figures show that around one in three offenders currently leave prison on a Friday – giving them just a few hours to arrange a bed for the night, register with a GP and sign-up for job support before services shut down for the weekend.
This race against the clock can end up with ex-offenders spending their first days on the streets with little in the way of support – increasing the likelihood they will commit further crimes.
‘Changing the rules so that well-behaved offenders can be released a day or two ahead of the end of their sentence will ultimately result in fewer victims and less crime,’ said prisons minister Victoria Atkins.
‘Making sure ex-offenders can get suitable housing and support ahead of the weekend means they are far more likely to stay on the straight and narrow – reducing reoffending and making our streets safer.’
Chair of the Local Government Association’s (LGA) Safer and Stronger Communities Board, Cllr Nesil Caliskan, welcomed the news as ‘positive’ and said it would ‘make a difference in reducing crime and anti-social behaviour.’
‘With staff limitations at the weekend across a range of services, delays in accessing accommodation and a lack of early intervention from support services, vulnerable prison-leavers are at considerable risk of reoffending,’ she said.
‘In bringing release dates forward, this will ensure prison-leavers have enough time to access the right help and support to prevent them heading back towards previous criminal activities.’
