New figures show a 44% increase in prison recalls

New statistics published by the Ministry of Justice today show that between April and June, 13,338 people were released from prison, and 9,782 were recalled for breaching their licence conditions. This represents a 44% increase in recalls in the same quarter in 2023.

In other words, for every 100 people released in the period, 73 people were recalled to prison. 

The statistics show that the majority of the recalls were due to non-compliance rather than further offending. There is often more than one reason for recall:  

• 77% involved non-compliance
• 24% of recalls involved a charge of further offending
• 36% involved failure to keep in touch
• 23% involved failure to reside.

The ‘recall’ prison population has nearly doubled in the last seven years. 

Andy Keen-Downs, CEO of Pact said: “In the last few months, ministers have taken strong and decisive action to address the prisons crisis left by the previous Government. However, these alarming new figures show that the early release scheme will only work if we can reduce the number of people being recalled.
 
“Those who pose a danger to the public should go back to prison. But too often people are recalled on minor technicalities or because they don’t have the support they need - they may have missed an appointment or have nowhere to live. We should consider returning to the system that required a court to recall someone to prison rather than an overworked probation officer. 
 
“In the longer term, more investment is needed to make sure that people leave prison with the support they need to make a fresh start. That means a home, a job and treatment for substance misuse. A prison leaver’s most effective resettlement agency is often their family, who are there to help their loved one get back on their feet. If we’re serious about creating a sustainable justice system that works for everyone, investment in family services should be a priority.

“Yesterday’s budget allocated £2.3bn in prison expansion and more funds for prison and probation staff. However, it said little about more funding for the investment in resettlement and rehabilitation needed for people to make a genuine fresh start. We look forward to hearing more details on this issue.”