Early-released prisoners may stay in taxpayer-funded hotels, says Justice Secretary
Prisoners at risk of homelessness to be housed in budget hotels temporarily
The Justice Secretary announced that prisoners released early could be housed in taxpayer-funded hotels if community accommodation becomes unavailable.
Shabana Mahmood stated that inmates at risk of homelessness upon release would be offered temporary housing for up to 12 weeks.
The early release scheme freed 1,700 inmates, including domestic abusers and sex offenders, causing concerns about potential future crimes. Mahmood informed the Commons that offenders at risk of homelessness would be placed in community accommodation, but if insufficient, probation directors are authorised to use budget hotels as a temporary measure.
Early release prisoners to be put up in TAXPAYER-FUNDED hotels to ease overcrowding https://t.co/2qly6M9j6v
— Liz V (@ShoreEJV) September 10, 2024
There were reports that some victims were not informed of their offenders’ early release dates.
Over the next six weeks, more than 5,000 inmates will be released, excluding violent criminals jailed for over four years. Critics expressed outrage on social media about the scheme and the use of hotels, with comments highlighting the disparity between support for pensioners and prisoners.
Jackie Creighton, one of the released inmates, expressed a preference to stay in prison rather than face homelessness, recounting his experience upon release.
The Prime Minister faces pressure as convicted criminals, including drug dealers, celebrated their early release after serving only 40% of their sentences. It was also confirmed that those convicted of manslaughter could receive reduced sentences, with last year seeing 16 such offenders jailed for less than four years.
Lib Dem MP Lee Dillon questioned the Justice Secretary about the release of dangerous criminals. Mahmood assured that serious offences, including violent and sexual crimes, would be excluded from the measure.
Despite the celebratory scenes outside jails, experts warned that early release could lead to reoffending, with a third of those released today being hardened criminals, including drug dealers and violent abusers. Concerns were raised about the impact on communities and the potential for homelessness among the released.
Ministers assured that all released prisoners would be managed under strict licence rules. The prison population reached a record high of 88,521, an increase of over 1,000 inmates in four weeks.
It was revealed that Rishi Sunak ignored warnings from senior police officers before the election about the risks of not implementing the SDS40 policy. Overcrowding in prisons was said to hinder police work.
Chief inspector of prisons Charlie Taylor said the government had no choice but to address overcrowding, though he warned some released prisoners might reoffend or become homeless.
Backlash followed Mahmood’s July announcement to reduce the proportion of sentences served behind bars from 50% to 40% due to overcrowding. Reports indicated that some victims were not notified of their perpetrators’ early release, which the Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales, Baroness Newlove, criticised.
Concerns persist about the policy’s impact on domestic abuse cases, with some offenders potentially qualifying for early release despite efforts to exclude them. Domestic Abuse Commissioner Nicole Jacobs called for a blanket exemption for all known perpetrators, fearing victims may not be adequately informed and supported.
Rioters may also spend less time in prison, though those convicted of serious violence and serving over four years are ineligible.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Hereford Times reports that prisoners freed early to ease jail overcrowding could be housed in taxpayer-funded budget hotels as a temporary measure.(read more)
- The Independent reports on the Justice Secretary’s plan to house early-released prisoners in taxpayer-funded budget hotels to mitigate overcrowding in prisons, emphasizing the potential for homelessness among released offenders and the government’s efforts to ensure accommodations.(read more)
- The National reports that prisoners may be temporarily placed in budget hotels after being freed early to alleviate jail overcrowding.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Are prisoners being released early under a new scheme?
Yes, over 5,000 inmates are being released early due to overcrowding.
Will early release prisoners be housed in hotels?
Yes, if community accommodation is full, hotels may be used temporarily.
Which types of offenders are excluded from early release?
Sex offenders, terrorists, and those convicted of serious violence are excluded.
Are victims being informed about the early release of prisoners?
Some victims were not warned about the early release dates of their offenders.
What is the public reaction to prisoners being housed in hotels?
There is significant public anger and criticism over using taxpayer money for hotel accommodations.
