Plans are being put forward for a new law to help to reduce the number of newly released prisoners from reoffending, giving them a second chance away from a life of crime.

Rebecca Harris, the MP for Castle Point, is backing the proposals by Simon Fell, the Conservative MP for Barrow and Furness, in a Private Members’ Bill in Parliament. Talking about his commitment to helping those ex-prisoners who want to change their lives, Simon said the Offenders (Day of Release from Detention) Bill is a simple law that could make a big difference to those who have just been released and want a fresh start away from crime. 

Commenting, Simon Fell MP said:

“Currently people released from prison on Fridays face a race against time to access their probation worker and support on issues such as housing, benefits, and healthcare before the weekend. This leaves some temporarily homeless, and at a heightened risk of reoffending.

“One in every three offenders is released on a Friday despite them facing these challenges and the data showing that offenders released just before a weekend or bank holiday face a higher rate of re-offending.

“My Bill gives prison governors the discretion to release vulnerable offenders up to 48 hours earlier so that they can access the statutory services they most need, and to cut reoffending.

“I have seen through my work on the Home Affairs Committee, and to talking to charities in Furness, just what Friday releases can mean - nights on the streets, a return to offending, and criminal gangs all too willing to swoop in and help, but with a heavy cost.

“This simple change in the law will cut reoffending, save the criminal justice system time and money, and improve outcomes for offenders who have served their time.”

You can keep up to date with the stage of the Bill and its publications at: https://bills.parliament.uk/bills/3200.