A former prisoner, released in August, has spoken out about his struggles to find accommodation, warning that he will be forced onto the streets by November 11. James, 37, contacted The Big Issue from 'approved premises' in Somerset, where he is currently residing. He has several medical conditions, including epilepsy and ADHD, and is wearing two electronic tags on his ankles. James's situation highlights the challenges faced by prison leavers in finding stable accommodation.
James has reached out to Somerset Council for support, but was told that he has been judged as non-priority need. The council stated that it does not have a duty to provide him with accommodation but will offer him advice on how to avoid homelessness. The local authority is attempting to find accommodation for James under its Ending Rough Sleeping programme, which is part of the government's efforts to offer all rough sleepers a route off the streets by Christmas.
According to analysis from Nacro, almost half of people rough sleeping in England have spent time in prison. James's case demonstrates one of the biggest threats to the government's mission to end rough sleeping. He has been encouraged to look for properties in the private rented sector and apply for social housing. However, James's offending history may make it more challenging for him to secure accommodation.
Somerset Council has a statutory duty to work with people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness to assess their circumstances and provide support. The council's spokesperson stated that it is committed to ending rough sleeping in Somerset and aims to prevent homelessness wherever possible. Anyone who needs help can self-refer to the council's housing teams through the homelessness referral and assessment page on its website.
James was released from HMP Fosse Way prison in Leicestershire in August after serving half of his sentence. Having stable accommodation since then has helped him make progress, he said. James has started rebuilding his confidence, managing his mental health, and engaging with professionals. However, the prospect of becoming homeless again frightens him, as he has started feeling that he has a future.
The government's ambition to end rough sleeping is threatened by early releases from prison, according to recent reports. As many as 1,000 prisoners a month are released into homelessness, according to Home Office figures. Enver Solomon, CEO of Nacro, emphasized that safe housing is crucial for rehabilitation and breaking the cycle of homelessness and reoffending.
Experts stress that dedicated support for people leaving prison is essential to preventing homelessness. Mike Trace, CEO of Forward Trust, believes that the government needs to improve accommodation and treatment for mental health and addiction issues to prevent prison leavers from sleeping rough. The Ministry of Justice does provide some accommodation for prison leavers who face being released into homelessness, including a 12-week stay in temporary accommodation under the Community Accommodation Service Tier 3.
Key points
- Almost half of people rough sleeping in England have spent time in prison.
- 1,000 prisoners a month are released into homelessness.
- Dedicated support for people leaving prison is essential to preventing homelessness.
