Key facts
- Eleven bail hostels in England and Wales have closed.
- Seven hostels closed due to lack of qualified staff.
- Four hostels closed due to maintenance issues like infestations or lack of running water.
- The closures occurred amid the early release of approximately 700 offenders.
- Nearly one in eight approved premises for dangerous prisoners are now closed.
- There are 104 approved premises across England and Wales.
Eleven bail hostels in England and Wales, intended to house dangerous prisoners released early, have been closed due to staffing shortages or maintenance problems, The Guardian has disclosed. Seven of these facilities, known as approved premises, were shut because of a lack of qualified staff, while the other four were closed due to issues such as infestations or lack of running water, according to Whitehall sources.
The closures come six days after approximately 700 male offenders, including violent criminals and burglars, were released. Some of these individuals reported having nowhere to stay, expressing concerns about reoffending as a result.
Nearly one in eight approved premises for dangerous prisoners are now closed under the early release scheme, an increase from nearly one in 10 in July. Martin Jones, HM inspector of probation, described the figures as concerning, emphasizing the critical role approved premises play in the safe reintegration of complex individuals into the community. He stated that action is needed to ensure adequate staffing and contingency plans.
Ian Lawrence, general secretary of the probation officers’ union, Napo, echoed these concerns, noting that closures due to staff shortages or poor maintenance add to the pressures on his members and on those leaving prison. He urged the HM Prison and Probation Service to urgently address the issue to ensure safe release plans are made in advance.
Approved premises supervise around 2,000 criminals considered too dangerous for immediate release into the community across England and Wales. Residents often have complex needs, including drug and alcohol problems and mental health issues, and can be recalled to prison for failing drug tests or allowing their rooms to be searched. Staff are required to monitor residents closely and intervene in incidents of violence, self-harm, or overdoses.
Specific closures mentioned include Western approved premises in Weymouth, which closed on October 9 due to staffing shortages, and Bridgewood approved premises in Northampton, which closed earlier this year for the same reason. A February report on Bridgewood had already highlighted concerns over workplace culture, training gaps, and inconsistent supervision.
Insiders suggested that high stress levels combined with the expiry of contracts with private companies Sodexo and OCS, which provided overnight staff, contributed to the staffing crisis. Security guards have reportedly been filling in for qualified staff when dealing with serious offenders, leading to formal complaints.
There are 104 approved premises across England and Wales, with most catering to men only, and eight facilities for women. The Ministry of Justice has been approached for comment on the closure figures.