Ministry of Justice data shows that more people were recalled to jails in England and Wales in the first half of this year than were released – despite government efforts to reduce the prison population.
A total of 12,338 people were recalled to custody between the beginning of April and the end of June, while 12,278 people were released. It continues a trend set between January and March, when 13,193 people were returned to prison and 12,977 released.
Overall, 52,716 prisoners were put back behind bars in the year to June after breaching the terms of their licence – 27% up on the previous 12-month total.
The high recall rate is a key contributor to the prison capacity crisis and helped to prompt early release schemes earlier this month.
Enver Solomon, Chief Executive of the social justice charity Nacro, said the number of recalls must be urgently addressed to avoid prison spaces being filled up again by people sent back to jail.
“A significant proportion of those released immediately go back to chaotic lives involving addiction, mental health problems and homelessness. Without adequate support and stable accommodation in place as soon as they step outside the gate, it is very difficult to break the revolving cycle of going back into prison too many are caught up in.”
For further information, click here.