Recommendation 18

We were disappointed to hear that resettlement support is not routinely available to those held on remand due to this category of prisoners being excluded from contracts agreed with providers as part of the reunification of the probation service. Those held on remand have a similar need for resettlement support as the sentenced population and it is concerning that this support is not being provided simply due to contractual issues. We agree with the Minister that it is not acceptable that, in some cases, remand prisoners are being handed tents on release in the absence of suitable accommodation. The Ministry of Justice needs to do more to ensure that all people leaving prison have the option of temporary housing if it has not been possible to find more permanent accommodation prior to release. We welcome the commitment by the Government to update contracts with resettlement teams. The work to include those on remand in the contracts for resettlement accommodation should be completed by April 2023.