Cambridgeshire and Peterborough is braced to expect more than 30 prisoners to be released back into the community tomorrow as part of the Government’s early release scheme to tackle prison overcrowding.
Figures obtained by the CambsNews also show the areas of the county which can expect to receive the people who will benefit from the relaxation of the rules.
And local councils and charities are being forewarned in case some of those released early are unable to find somewhere to live.
Latest figures show that nationally 12 per cent of prisoners released last year went straight into rough sleeping.
The figures obtained by CambsNews show the number of early releases coming to Cambridgeshire and Peterborough tomorrow (Tuesday) is more than 30.
Those being released are those serving less than 5-year sentences.
Fenland and Peterborough is expected to receive 15 to 20 early releases, with 10 to 15 heading back into Cambridge or Huntingdon.
Government sources have told local councils that they believe the percentage of those who will be homeless “will be low and thought to be minimal impact to the county”.
A second tranche of early releases – for those serving 5 years or more – will begin on October 22.
Although the breakdown is yet to be confirmed, it is expected that there will be 11 early releases across Cambridgeshire for this second wave.
The Ministry of Justice is co-ordinating the early release scheme and their spokesperson has confirmed it has come about after “the new government inherited a justice system in crisis, with prisons on the point of collapse.
“It has been forced to introduce an early release programme to stop a crisis that would have overwhelmed the criminal justice system, meaning we would no longer be able to lock up dangerous criminals and protect the public”.
The spokesperson confirmed the government is working quickly towards the recruitment of 1,000 trainee probation officers by next March to meet “additional demand”.
The Ministry of Justice expects about 5,500 people will leave prison early in September and October.
The Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has told the BBC that no high-risk prisoners will be released, but admitted the risk could not be entirely quashed.
