Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Matt Western and Rory Stewart

Tuesday 18th December 2018 Commons Chamber

[Kerry McCarthy (Bristol East) (Lab)]

11. What estimate he has made of the number of people who become homeless immediately after being released from short prison sentences.

[The Minister of State, Ministry of Justice (Rory Stewart)]

Far too many people on short sentences—almost 35%—struggle to find suitable accommodation. That is why we are now focusing on a pilot in Bristol, Pentonville and Leeds. We not only want to get ex-offenders into accommodation, but are putting £6.4 million into ensuring that they have right kind of support, with up to five hours a week on life skills and financial management skills, and access the right services.

[Matt Western]

I thank the Minister for his response. A study done by the charity Revolving Doors estimates that there was a 25-fold increase between October 2016 and June 2018 in the number of prisoners sleeping rough who have served less than six months. Does that information embarrass the Government and the Minister?