Understand
Leeds charity warns early-release prisoners are desperate and facing homelessness
Overview
A homeless charity in Leeds, Homeless Street Angels, reported a night of chaos after encountering an influx of individuals released early from prison under government plans to ease overcrowding. Co-founder Becky Joyce stated that many prisoners were discharged with little support, no housing, and were considering re-offending simply to avoid homelessness. The Ministry of Justice defended the scheme, stating that work is ongoing with councils and charities to address prison-leaver homelessness and build new prison capacity.
Key points
- Around 700 people were released early from prisons across England and Wales as part of government measures to tackle overcrowding.
- Homeless Street Angels in Leeds reported severe vulnerability among early-release prisoners, with some left with no food, clothes, or housing.
- Charity director Becky Joyce stated that some released prisoners were considering committing crimes again just to return to prison and avoid sleeping rough.
- The early-release scheme applies to prisoners serving sentences of up to 19 months who are freed after serving 33% of their term instead of 50%.
- The Ministry of Justice stated it is working to halve prison-leaver homelessness by 2029 through cooperation with councils and charities alongside investment in probation and community services.