Source · Select Committees · Justice Committee
Recommendation 9
9
Accommodation is an important resettlement need for prison leavers, and we welcome the work that...
Recommendation
Accommodation is an important resettlement need for prison leavers, and we welcome the work that the Ministry of Justice and HMPPS have done during the pandemic to ensure that prison leavers have the best access to accommodation as possible. We are also pleased to hear that scheme to support individuals leaving prison has been extended to the 31 July. Given that Covid-19 is an ongoing situation, we recommend that the Ministry of Justice and HMPPS continue to keep this scheme under review to ensure that the housing needs or prison leavers continue to be met. Additionally, we recommend that the Ministry set out their what work is being done in the longer term to address the housing needs of prisoners on release from custody and prevent homelessness.Accommodation is an important resettlement need for prison leavers, and we welcome the work that the Ministry of Justice and HMPPS have done during the pandemic to ensure that prison leavers have the best access to accommodation as possible. We are also pleased to hear that scheme to support individuals leaving prison has been extended to the 31 July. Given that Covid-19 is an ongoing situation, we recommend that the Ministry of Justice and HMPPS continue to keep this scheme under review to ensure that the housing needs or prison leavers continue to be met. Additionally, we recommend that the Ministry set out their what work is being done in the longer term to address the housing needs of prisoners on release from custody and prevent homelessness. (Paragraph 56) Probation Reform Programme
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
A second review of the Covid-19 Accommodation Upon Release Scheme was undertaken, and based upon the operational environment, with Government and PHE advice, it was extended for a final time until 31st August which could therefore provide accommodation to prison leavers until 26th October. However, should the Covid-19 situation change significantly, the Government will consider the right course of action at the time. As mentioned before, HMPPS set up seven Homelessness Prevention Taskforces to work with local authorities and other partners to find accommodation for offenders released from prison. The taskforces are still active and HMPPS is considering how to continue the work that they have carried out during the pandemic in the long-term. The overarching objective during this period is to facilitate an individual’s transition from temporary accommodation to long-term settled accommodation. The Accommodation Upon Release scheme was designed as an immediate response to support prison leavers at risk of homelessness during the exceptional Covid-19 measures, however lessons from it will help develop longer-term improvements to be included in the wider reforms in probation services over the remainder of the year and beyond.