Written question WQ94719
- Asked by
- Andrew RT DaviesConservative
- To be answered by
- Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 7 days
Question
What plans are in place to ensure that early release prisoners are not at risk of homelessness upon release?
Answer
Answered by Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government
Welsh Government works closely with HMPPS Wales to support the effective implementation of the ‘National Pathway’ for adults leaving the secure estate. This includes jointly funding six Accommodation Pathway Coordinators (APCs) across Wales to support improved communication and partnerships with stakeholders. Joint work is also underway to update the pathway as part of the proposed homelessness legislative reform.
In response to the change in Standard Determinate Sentences from 50% to 40% (SDS40), a national taskforce was established by the UK Government with key stakeholders, including local authorities, to ensure suitable accommodation was made available for those who required it on leaving prison. This included the timely sharing of data on expected prison releases to relevant local authorities and an agreed process to escalate issues with HMPPS where necessary.