Government figures have revealed that HMP Forest Bank, in Salford, released 825 men homeless last year.
A prison-by-prison breakdown of homeless releases, published by the Ministry of Justice, showed that the Sodexo-run jail had by far the worst record for releasing men into rough sleeping or without secure accommodation throughout 2025 – 26. The second-worst, HMP Nottingham, released 570 men homeless.
Out of England’s 12 female jails, the one with the most homeless releases was HMP Peterborough, which let out 365 women without homes to go to. Second-worst was HMP Bronzefield, with 300. Both are Sodexo-run.
Overall, throughout the 12 months to March 2026, a total of 14,970 prisoners were released homeless in England and Wales – around one in six of all releases.
In the five years to 2026, the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman has investigated around 300 deaths of people who died within 14 days of leaving prison.
One such prisoner, Adrian Rowley, was released unexpectedly from HMP Holme House on 16 February this year, having spent four days there on recall. Little pre-release planning had been done by the prison and he had no secure accommodation.
Upon release, Mr Rowley went to stay with a friend but did not attend a probation appointment because he had no money for a travel ticket. His appointment was rescheduled and a travel pass was sent to him. Probation spoke with him and concluded that he was not in danger of offending in the interim, though his voice seemed slurred. Before the time came for his rescheduled appointment, he was found hanging on 22 February. He died in hospital just three days later.