Source · Select Committees · Justice Committee
Recommendation 17
17
Not Addressed
Paragraph: 106
There is a shortage of suitable accommodation for older prisoners following their release, which can...
Recommendation
There is a shortage of suitable accommodation for older prisoners following their release, which can undermine their rehabilitation and prevent them from successfully re-integrating into society. We are particularly concerned about reports of older individuals being released to no-fixed abode. With the older prison population likely to rise further, and the number of prison places set to increase, the Government must ensure that there is suitable provision of age-appropriate post-release accommodation, including housing for those with complex health or care needs.
Government response summary AI-generated
The government's response focuses on ensuring prisoners are pre-registered with a GP in their release area to facilitate healthcare continuity. It does not address the recommendation for suitable provision of age-appropriate post-release accommodation for older prisoners.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Paragraph Reference:
106
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government · verbatim extract
Not Addressed
• HMPPS established the Residential Accommodation and Support Service in April 2019 (RASS). This was primarily to raise the profile of offender accommodation on a national platform; previously, offender accommodation was managed along regional lines. RASS does not provide sustainable accommodation for offenders on release, but will provide temporary residence through its Approved Premises estate, the Bail Accommodation Support Service and Langley House Trust. Offenders in residence will receive support to find permanent, more suitable accommodation during their stay. While none of these services are targeted specifically at the older cohort, there is a recognition there will be a greater need to provide for this cohort in future. In particular, the provision at Langley House Trust specialises in providing residence for offenders with high support needs, and HMPPS is exploring how capacity can be increased. In addition, monies have been made available to improve the condition of the Approved Premises estate, including addressing accessibility issues.
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