The closures affect 11 of the facilities known as approved premises, which typically supervise about 2,000 criminals considered too dangerous to release directly into the community. Whitehall sources said seven were shut due to a lack of qualified staff, while the other four closed because of problems such as infestations or lack of running water.
The figure represents nearly one in eight of such hostels, up from nearly one in ten in July this year. The development emerged six days after the government released approximately 700 male offenders, including violent criminals and burglars, as part of efforts to ease prison overcrowding. Some of those released told journalists they had nowhere to stay and were likely to reoffend as a result.
Martin Jones, HM inspector of probation, said the closures were concerning. "Approved premises play a critical role in the safe reintegration of the most complex individuals back into the community," he said. "It is therefore concerning if there has been an increase in closures at a time when releases are increasing. Action needs to be taken to ensure adequate staffing cover and contingency plans."
Ian Lawrence, general secretary of the probation officers' union Napo, said members were worried about the closures due to staff shortages or poor maintenance. "At a time when we are seeing greater pressure on accommodation needs due to early releases, these closures are adding additional issues for our members to deal with and for those coming out of prison," he said. He urged HM Prison and Probation Service to urgently address the issue so safe release plans could be made in advance.
Residents of approved premises often have drug and alcohol problems and complex mental health needs. They typically stay for up to 12 weeks and can be recalled to prison if they refuse drug tests or allow room searches. Staff must monitor residents closely to prevent violent incidents, self-harm and overdoses.
Specific hostels affected include Western approved premises in Weymouth, a hostel for 27 offenders that is due to close on Friday, and Bridgewood approved premises in Northampton, which monitored 17 high-risk offenders and closed earlier this year due to staffing shortages. A probation watchdog report in February found Bridgewood required improvement, highlighting concerns over workplace culture, training gaps and inconsistent supervision, and noted that staffing levels sometimes fell below safe operating requirements.