Most prisoners I know who have been released have had to spend at least some time in what used to be known as probation hostels or, even more formerly, halfway houses – now generally called “approved premises”. However, it seems that the same is not always the case when it comes to female prisoners released from HMP Bronzefield.
Unfortunately die to to Tory cuts a lot of shelters, hostels etc that used to exist no longer do. Add in the fact that the new CRC’s were supposed to sort out housing for people and haven’t (claiming that there simply isn’t any available) and this is why the situation is a mess. Deposits and first months rent being paid directly to a landlord by the prison for anyone without somewhere to live on release would go a long way to solving the problem and would save much dinero in the long run. Trouble with the Tory slash and burn cuts if they have not thought through long term consequences of these ideological cuts
I agree that this is largely a result of Tory cuts, which is a subject I remain very split on. As I think I may have said before, when the Tories are in power prison does get tougher but, generally, lifers like myself get out quicker. I will always speak out against the effects of cuts on prisoners, but I would also always choose a short sentence in a tough prison over a long sentence in an easy one. The same extends to post release support. I absolutely think there should be more support available, but I think this is secondary to ensuring that those who are ready to go home are promptly released.