"In bringing release dates forward, this will ensure prison-leavers have enough time to access the right help and support to prevent them heading back towards previous criminal activities.”
Responding to the Government’s announcement of plans to end Friday releases, Chair of the Local Government Associations Safer and Stronger Communities Board, Cllr Nesil Caliskan, said: “The LGA has been a consistent supporter of the Government’s Prison Leaver’s Working Group and this is positive news that we hope will make a difference in reducing crime and anti-social behaviour.
“With staff limitations at the weekend across a range of services, delays in accessing accommodation and a lack of early intervention from support services, vulnerable prison-leavers are at considerable risk of reoffending. In bringing release dates forward, this will ensure prison-leavers have enough time to access the right help and support to prevent them heading back towards previous criminal activities.”