The pledge by Prime Minister Andy Burnham to eliminate rough sleeping in England faces significant obstacles as the number of ex-prisoners released into homelessness continues to rise. Recent figures from the social justice charity Nacro reveal that in the year spanning April 2025 to March 2026, a staggering 15,155 individuals released from prison found themselves without stable housing—an alarming increase of 18% from the previous year.
Alarming Statistics Highlight a Growing Crisis
Nacro’s analysis shows that nearly one in six individuals leaving prisons in England and Wales were released into homelessness, marking the highest rate observed in five years. This translates to approximately 300 people each week, underscoring a pressing need for action. Enver Solomon, Nacro’s chief executive, emphasised that the rising trend is deeply concerning, noting that the percentage of those exiting prison without accommodation has escalated from 10.6% in 2021-22 to 15.9% in 2025-26.
“The stark reality is that three out of four individuals who are released to rough sleeping will reoffend within a year,” Solomon stated. “In contrast, just over a third of those who secure accommodation will reoffend. A safe home is not merely a place to sleep; it’s a critical foundation for breaking the cycle of reoffending and ensuring community safety.”
Government Initiatives and Challenges
Burnham’s ambitious promise to eradicate rough sleeping includes an investment of an additional £340 million over three years. However, the government’s decision to implement early releases for around 5,000 prisoners—many of whom include serious offenders—has raised serious concerns. Critics argue that without adequate housing solutions, the government’s objectives may remain unfulfilled.
The issue is compounded by rising overall prison releases, driven in part by early release schemes. In 2025-26 alone, over 1,300 women were released into homelessness, reflecting a staggering 27% increase from the prior year. The lack of stable housing options is particularly evident in regions like south-central England, which has the highest rate of homelessness among released prisoners at 20.7%.
Systemic Failures in Addressing Housing Needs
The challenges faced by ex-prisoners are further exacerbated by systemic failures within the prison and probation systems. An annual report from Charlie Taylor, the chief inspector of prisons, highlighted that up to 30% of prisoners may leave without a settled address. Many are released directly from court without proper access to housing services, leaving them vulnerable to homelessness.
A December report from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government indicated that housing staff often lack adequate training to address the specific needs of prisoners. The support mechanisms in place are frequently fragmented, and the available accommodation is often of poor quality, leaving many without viable options.
The Way Forward
In a bid to address these pressing issues, the government has confirmed that officials are exploring ways to prevent the early release of certain high-risk offenders, including those responsible for serious crimes. Burnham has also announced exclusions for individuals convicted of sexual offences from early release policies.
The government’s national plan to tackle homelessness, published last December, aims to halve the percentage of offenders on probation who experience homelessness on their first night out of prison by 2029. This ambitious goal reflects a recognition of the intertwined nature of homelessness and reoffending, as government sources noted the urgent need to address both crises simultaneously.
Why it Matters
The increase in homelessness among ex-prisoners not only challenges the government’s commitment to ending rough sleeping but also threatens community safety and social stability. With three-quarters of those released into homelessness likely to reoffend, the consequences are far-reaching—not just for the individuals involved but for society as a whole. Tackling this issue is crucial, not only to fulfil political promises but to foster a safer, more equitable society where everyone has access to a stable and supportive living environment.
