Research has consistently shown that people released from prison are 50% more likely to reoffend if they are homeless. With that in mind, it is incredibly concerning to find out that 15% of those released from prisons in Northern Ireland in the year to the end of August had no accommodation in place upon exiting custody.
Reoffending not only impacts victims of crime — it also costs society money. That’s whether it’s money for police officers or legal aid, or the fact that it costs around £50,000 a year to keep someone incarcerated.
There’s also the impact on the offender, whose lack of a permanent home may have contributed to their reoffending.
Had they a secure home, they may have stayed out of custody and been able to contribute positively to society.
There are a number of initiatives in place to support people exiting prison, including providing help with accommodation, but there are only so many places in which to house people, and we are in the middle of a housing crisis.
According to the latest figures, at the end of June, there were 47,936 applications on the social housing waiting list. This is up from 47,312 at the end of the previous quarter.
Demand for housing is far outstripping supply, and not enough homes are being built.
People leaving prison listed as having ‘no fixed abode’ are not necessarily living on the streets every night. They may be part of what is known as the ‘hidden homeless’ and may be sofa surfing or living in a hostel.
A recent report by the Simon Community found many former prisoners needed a tailored support package to help with their reintegration into society, and that given their complex needs, they were more vulnerable to hidden homelessness.
The problem of prison leavers having no accommodation in place is not unique to Northern Ireland. The issue was under the spotlight in England and Wales recently after inmates were released early to help with overcrowding.
This scheme prompted fears of rising homelessness and associated reoffending due to a sudden rush of prisoners leaving custody and seeking accommodation.
The situation demands immediate attention, with figures in Northern Ireland showing a recent increase in the number of prisoners being released and recorded as having no fixed abode.
In order to get to the heart of the problem, there needs to be a significant increase in the number of social homes being built.