Homeless ex-prisoners in England and Wales twice as likely to reoffend, official data shows
Newly released data from the UK Ministry of Justice (MoJ) reveals that adults leaving prison without stable housing are twice as likely to reoffend as those with permanent accommodation, the BBC reported on Sunday.
Statistics published for the first time indicate that more than 67% of homeless ex-prisoners in England and Wales reoffended within a year of their release between October and December 2022. In contrast, 33% of those in stable housing committed another offence.
Social justice charity Nacro has called for “adequate investment in housing,” citing that secure accommodation is crucial to breaking the cycle of reoffending. Homeless ex-prisoners include those sleeping rough or staying in temporary shelters, campsites, or squats, where lack of stability often perpetuates the conditions that led to incarceration.
Employment status also appears to impact reoffending rates. According to the MoJ, 35% of unemployed ex-prisoners reoffended, compared to 17% of those who found work within six weeks of release.
According to the report, the government is collaborating with local councils and charities to reduce the number of homeless releases and prevent people from leaving prison without a place to stay.
MoJ data shows the ongoing cost of reoffending in England and Wales is estimated at £18 billion annually, underlining the need for sustained investment in housing and rehabilitation.
Nacro’s CEO Campbell Robb emphasized that failing to address homelessness and unemployment among ex-prisoners is not only costly but endangers public safety, adding that prisoners at risk of homelessness are now eligible for up to 12 weeks in temporary housing, part of a program introduced in July 2021 to help ex-prisoners reintegrate into society.
