Deaths within two weeks of prison release hit record high in England and Wales
Summary
The number of people dying within two weeks after leaving prison in England and Wales has reached a record high, with 77 deaths in 2025. Many of these people were released without a home, which experts say is a major reason for the crisis.Key Facts
- In 2025, 77 people died within 14 days of prison release, a 28% increase from the 60 deaths in 2024.
- Since 2021, this is the highest number of deaths recorded in this period after prison release.
- One in four people who died after release were homeless, according to official reports.
- Nearly 13,000 people left prison homeless or sleeping rough in the year leading up to April 2025, a 39% increase from the previous year.
- Cases include individuals who feared homelessness and suffered mental health issues leading to death soon after release.
- Shortages of social housing and difficult private rental rules contribute to the homelessness crisis for released prisoners.
- Many prisoners are recalled to prison for not living at an approved address, with recalls reaching a record high recently.
- Secure housing is considered a key part of helping people successfully leave prison and avoid returning.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.