Reoffending Rates Friday Releases 2022-07-05
2022-07-05
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from the policy of ending Friday releases for prisoners, which has implications on access to timely support upon release.
What assessment have you made of the impact of ending Friday releases on reoffending rates?
I know that accessing timely support on release can be particularly challenging on a Friday and that that can increase the risk of reoffending. That is why the Government have committed to pursuing legislation when parliamentary time allows to enable the release of prisoners up to two days earlier when a release date falls on a Friday or before a bank holiday.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer did not provide an assessment of reoffending rates but acknowledged challenges and committed to legislative action.
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
The issue of releasing prisoners on Fridays and its implications on reoffending, homelessness, and access to services.
If we release ex-criminals and ex-offenders on a Friday, they are likely to return to their former habitat, reconnect with individuals whom they committed crimes with, and reoffend. Equally, if they are homeless, they will not get any service from the local authority. I therefore commend the moves to change the position so that we can encourage people to rebuild their lives after being in prison.
We are particularly conscious of the impact that homelessness can have on ex-offenders released from prison, so, in addition to our commitment to legislate on Friday releases, by 2024-25 we will invest an additional £200 million a year to transform our approach to rehabilitation, including expanding our transitional accommodation service across England and Wales.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy