LGA responds to Government plans to end Friday releases to cut crime and make streets safer

"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.”


Two women walking down a rainy street at night

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.”