Number of people leaving prison homeless in East Midlands up by 22%
Figures show an increase year on year to nearly 1000 people.
The number of people leaving prison homeless in the East Midlands has risen by 22%, according to recent Ministry of Justice (MoJ) data.
Our region has experienced a spike with almost thousand homeless (950) lasty year, up from 780 people released from prison into homelessness the year before.
The social justice charity, Nacro, which runs services for people leaving prison, is calling for more investment in local services to tackle the problem.
The call comes ahead of reforms that will be implemented from the upcoming Independent Sentencing Review.
This will outline ways to reduce the number of people in prison.
Around 12,000 people were released into homelessness across England and Wales in the past year – almost 1,000 people a month.
Greater Manchester was one of the highest spikes, along with figures for Kent, Surrey and Sussex.
In April 2023-2024 the number of prison leavers released into homelessness in Greater Manchester was 575. In April 2024-2025 it increased to 1045 – a 82% rise, whilst over the same period Kent, Surrey and Sussex saw a 97% rise.
Leaving prison homeless means you are twice as likely to reoffend as someone who comes out into settled accommodation, according to Nacro.
Reoffending currently costs the country £23.6 billion each year.
Campbell Robb, Chief Executive at Nacro, said: “Leaving prison without a home is the terrible consequence of a broken system.
"The need for a secure place to live will become even greater, as more people are likely to serve more of their sentences in the community under the proposed sentencing reforms.
“Despite recent investment, these figures show that further action is needed. Long-term joined-up support and housing are essential if we want people to rebuild their lives and reduce reoffending.
“We will continue to work with Government and all partners inside and outside of prison to do what we can to try and ensure people get the support they need on release.”