Eleven bail hostels, also known as approved premises, that were designated to house dangerous prisoners during early release schemes in England and Wales have been closed. Seven of these facilities were shut down due to a lack of qualified staff, while the remaining four faced problems including infestations or a lack of running water, according to Whitehall sources.
The closures have emerged six days after approximately 700 male offenders, including violent criminals and burglars, were released. Some of these individuals reportedly stated they had no accommodation and were likely to reoffend.
Martin Jones, HM inspector of probation, expressed concern over the figures, noting that approved premises are crucial for the safe reintegration of complex individuals into the community. Ian Lawrence, general secretary of the probation officers’ union Napo, also highlighted concerns among his members regarding the closures due to staff shortages or poor maintenance.
Approved premises supervise around 2,000 criminals across England and Wales who are deemed too dangerous for immediate release into the community. Residents often have drug and alcohol problems and complex mental health needs, staying in these hostels for up to 12 weeks.
Specific closures include Western approved premises in Weymouth, which was closed on 9 October due to staffing shortages, and Bridgewood approved premises in Northampton, closed earlier this year for similar reasons. Lightfoot House in Ipswich is also among the closed facilities.
The Ministry of Justice stated it is investing £700 million in the Probation Service and recruiting 1,300 new officers this year. An MoJ spokesperson added that prisoners at risk of homelessness are offered up to 12 weeks of basic accommodation upon release, and those with the highest risk levels will be placed in approved premises.