Burnham rough-sleeper pledge at risk from failures in housing ex-prisoners, charity warns

Burnham Rough Sleeper Pledge at Risk from Prison Housing Failures

Wanderstayfinder.com – A major commitment by Andy Burnham to tackle homelessness is facing new challenges as more prisoners are released without adequate housing. According to Nacro, a leading social justice charity, nearly one in six people leaving prisons in England and Wales last year became homeless immediately. This represents the highest rate in five years and threatens the mayor’s ambitious plans to reduce rough sleeping across the region.

Rising Numbers of Homeless Prisoners

Data shows that between April 2025 and March 2026, authorities released 15,155 prisoners without securing homes for them. This equals roughly 300 people each week, marking an 18 percent increase from the previous year. The problem has grown consistently, with the percentage of released prisoners without accommodation rising from 10.6 percent in 2021-22 to 15.9 percent currently.

Regional differences are significant. Hampshire, Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and the Isle of Wight together show the highest rate at 20.7 percent. The East Midlands recorded 19.1 percent, while the east of England stood at 18.4 percent. Wales performed best with only 11.1 percent of released prisoners becoming homeless. Women were particularly affected, with over 1,300 experiencing homelessness or rough sleeping in 2025-26, a 27 percent rise.

Impact on Reoffending Rates

Enver Solomon, chief executive of Nacro, stressed the connection between housing and public safety.

To deliver on the prime minister’s pledge to end rough sleeping, there must be an urgent focus on reducing homelessness after prison.

The statistics are clear: three out of four people released to rough sleeping commit further crimes within a year, compared to just over a third of those given proper accommodation.

A safe home isn’t just somewhere to sleep – it’s one of the strongest foundations for reducing reoffending and keeping communities safe.

Systemic Problems Identified

The prisons watchdog’s recent report highlighted multiple contributing factors. Charlie Taylor, chief inspector of prisons, found that up to 30 percent of inmates in many facilities had no settled address. Many prisoners were released directly from court without access to essential support services. Short sentences and recalls lasting only fourteen days complicated housing arrangements further. A December assessment by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government revealed inadequate training among housing staff regarding prisoner needs.

Support mechanisms were often fragmented, and much available accommodation fell below acceptable standards. These systemic issues compound the difficulty of maintaining the Burnham rough sleeper pledge at risk of being undermined by these housing failures.

Early Release Controversy

The early release program has drawn considerable attention. Burnham authorized the October release of approximately 5,000 prisoners, including domestic abusers and two individuals responsible for PC Andrew Harper’s death. Government officials are still considering whether to prevent the release of Harper’s killers, potentially keeping Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers behind bars. Both received thirteen-year sentences in 2020 for manslaughter. Henry Long, the main perpetrator, remains excluded from early release. Burnham also announced that rapists, groomers, and those convicted of serious child sexual offenses would be barred from the policy.

Future Plans and Challenges

The national homelessness plan, announced last December, committed to halving the proportion of offenders on probation who become homeless on their first night after release. A government spokesperson explained:

This government inherited a prison system on the brink of collapse and a homelessness crisis, with rough sleeping having more than doubled since 2010.

Reoffending rates among homeless offenders are approximately twice those in stable accommodation, making collaboration with local councils and charities essential. Prisons and probation services continue working to address these interconnected challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Burnham rough sleeper pledge at risk from?

The pledge faces threats primarily from failures in housing ex-prisoners, with nearly one in six released inmates becoming homeless immediately after leaving custody.

How many prisoners are released without housing each week?

Approximately 300 individuals are released without secured accommodation every week, representing an 18 percent increase from the previous year.

Which region has the highest rate of homeless prisoners?

South-central England, including Hampshire, Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and the Isle of Wight, records the highest concentration at 20.7 percent.

How does housing affect reoffending rates?

Three out of four people released to rough sleeping commit further offenses within twelve months, compared to just over a third of those provided with accommodation.

What changes has Burnham announced for the early release program?

Burnham announced that rapists, groomers, and individuals convicted of serious child sexual offenses would be barred from the early release scheme.