Homeless prison leavers in the West Midlands has risen
Rise in homeless prison leavers in region which has gone up by 42% in the past year
The number of people leaving prison homeless in the West Midlands has dramatically risen by 42%, according to recent MoJ data.
The region has experienced the fifth biggest spike in England and Wales with 1270 people released from prison into homelessness in the past year.
In April 2023-2024 the number of prison leavers released into homelessness in the West Midlands was 895.
Leaving prison homeless means you are twice as likely to reoffend as someone who comes out into settled accommodation.
Campbell Robb, Chief Executive at Nacro, a social justice charity, said: “Leaving prison without a home is the terrible consequence of a broken system.
“The need for a secure place to live will become even greater, as more people are likely to serve more of their sentences in the community under the proposed sentencing reforms.
“Despite recent investment, these figures show that further action is needed. Long-term joined-up support and housing are essential if we want people to rebuild their lives and reduce reoffending.
“We will continue to work with Government and all partners inside and outside of prison to do what we can to try and ensure people get the support they need on release.”