Prisoners freed early are returning to jail at rapid rate, governors tell BBC
Summary
Prison governors in England report that many prisoners released early under a 2024 government scheme are quickly returning to jail after reoffending or breaking release rules. The overcrowding in prisons remains severe, leading the government to change the scheme so some offenders, like those convicted of unlawful killing, will no longer be eligible for early release.Key Facts
- The 2024 early release scheme aimed to reduce prison overcrowding by freeing some inmates early.
- Many prisoners released under this scheme have been quickly sent back to prison for reoffending or violating release terms.
- Prisons in England and Wales are more than 97% full, nearing capacity limits.
- Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced changes to exclude offenders convicted of unlawful killing from early release.
- Over 70,000 people have been released under the scheme as of March 2024.
- Despite early releases, almost 87,000 people remain in prison with just over 2,000 available spaces.
- There is a growing number of recalled prisoners—those sent back for breaking release conditions—with a 28% increase between 2025 and 2026.
- Overcrowding contributes to tensions within prisons and challenges in providing safe and decent living conditions.
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