Number of people leaving prison homeless in Kent up by 97% in past year
Figures in Kent, Surrey and Sussex are the highest in England and Wales
The number of people leaving prison homeless in Kent has dramatically risen by over two thirds (97%), according to recent MoJ data.
The Kent, Surrey and Sussex region has experienced the third biggest spike in England and Wales with 700 people released from prison into homelessness in the past year.
That’s over two people a day.
The social justice charity, Nacro, which runs services for people leaving prison, is calling for more investment in local services to tackle the problem.
The call comes ahead of reforms that will be implemented from the upcoming Independent Sentencing Review.
This will outline ways to reduce the number of people in prison.
In April 2023-2024 the number of prison leavers released into homelessness in Kent, Surrey and Sussex was 355. In April 2024-2025 it increased to 700, a 97% rise.
Leaving prison homeless means you are twice as likely to reoffend as someone who comes out into settled accommodation, according to Nacro.
Reoffending currently costs the country £23.6 billion each year.
Campbell Robb, Chief Executive at Nacro, said: “Leaving prison without a home is the terrible consequence of a broken system.
“Last year, in Kent, Surrey and Sussex 700 people left prison homeless, making it incredibly difficult for them to move on in a positive way with their lives after prison.
"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.”