Source · Select Committees · Justice Committee
Recommendation 7
7
Paragraph: 44
At the best of times, release from prison can be a difficult time for many,...
Conclusion
At the best of times, release from prison can be a difficult time for many, however, Covid-19 has created a very different environment for those released from prison to enter. Service provision in the community has changed substantially and it is important that individuals released from prison continue to receive the support necessary to enable them to reintegrate into society and stop the cycle of offending. Whilst we welcome the Ministry’s commitment to work with the third sector, we are unclear what specific additional support has been put in place for those released from custody during this time and recommend that the Ministry of Justice and HMPPS set out what additional measures they have put in place to support prison leavers.e At the best of times, release from prison can be a difficult time for many, however, Covid-19 has created a very different environment for those released from prison to enter. Service provision in the community has changed substantially and it is important that individuals released from prison continue to receive the support necessary to enable them to reintegrate into society and stop the cycle of offending. Whilst we welcome the Ministry’s commitment to work with the third sector, we are unclear what specific additional support has been put in place for those released from custody during this time and recommend that the Ministry of Justice and HMPPS set out what additional measures they have put in place to support prison leavers..
Paragraph Reference:
44
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
Prisoners released during the Covid-19 period faced a world that was radically different, with access to support services significantly changed. Some prisoners were released as they had reached the end of their sentence, or were suitable for existing early release schemes, and some were released under an emergency scheme known as End of Custody Temporary Release (ECTR). The ECTR was introduced as one of a number of measures to reduce the prison population, following Public Health England’s social distancing guidelines to control the spread of Covid-19. Compartmentalisation of prisons was rapidly introduced to reduce the risk of infection. This involved isolating those who were symptomatic, quarantining new arrivals, and shielding the vulnerable. As compartmentalisation has now been substantively implemented across the estate, the ECTR scheme has been paused, as of the end of August. Support for prison leavers has varied slightly depending on their circumstances. The Discharge Grant is paid to all eligible prison leavers upon their release from prison. This is separate from the Subsistence Grant, which was payable only to those who were eligible for release under the ECTR scheme, and replaced the Discharge Grant. Under normal conditions, prison leavers have face to face appointments with prison work coaches (PWC) before release to enable them to commence the process of applying for benefits. As PWCs were removed from prisons during Covid-19, those who left prison under the ECTR scheme received advice on release about how to claim Universal Credit. They also received the details of a bespoke telephone line dedicated to prison leavers claiming benefits. All prison leavers (both those at the end of their sentence and those released under ECTR) have had a number of other support measures in place and those without access to a phone were provided with one. Discharge packs have been provided, signposting prison leavers to services in the community. Prison Through the Gate (TTG) providers have been required to focus on key resettlement needs prior to an individual’s release, such as arranging ID and bank accounts to facilitate access to benefits, and ensuring appropriate housing referrals are made. As part of its Covid-19 response, HMPPS set up seven Homelessness Prevention Taskforces (HPTs) to work with local authorities and other partners to find accommodation for offenders released from prison. The taskforces are still active and HMPPS are considering how the regional HPTs might be a feature of the future landscape. This will allow HMPPS to continue to build on the gains made during this period, including as an aspect of the probation reform programme and how they should be adequately resourced to provide effective engagement with delivery partners.