Surge in UK Prison Recalls increase by 42pc

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The number of former prisoners recalled to jail has surged by over 40 percent following the implementation of early release schemes aimed at reducing overcrowding. Recent figures from the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) reveal that in the three months leading up to September 2024, 9,975 individuals were recalled—an increase of 42 percent compared to the same period the previous year.  

 

This spike follows the introduction of an early release program under the previous Conservative government, which was designed to ease pressure on the prison system. The Labour government, led by Sir Keir Starmer, launched its own version of the scheme in September, further allowing inmates convicted of less serious offenses to be freed after serving 40 percent of their sentences, instead of the previous 50 percent.  

 

While these measures were introduced to prevent a total collapse of the prison system, they have led to a significant rise in the number of ex-offenders being recalled. Many of these individuals have either reoffended or breached the terms of their licence, raising concerns about the long-term sustainability of the policy. The recall population now makes up one in seven of the 86,000 prisoners in England and Wales.  

 

Between October 2023 and September 2024, a total of 13,382 prisoners were released up to 70 days early under the Conservative government’s end of custody supervised licence (ECSL) program. Since Labour came into power, more than 3,000 additional prisoners have been released under the new standard determinate sentences 40 (SDS40) scheme.  

 

The latest data shows that 73 percent of recalls between July and September 2024 were due to non-compliance with licence conditions, while 35 percent stemmed from failure to keep in contact with authorities. Additionally, 23 percent of recalled individuals did not reside at their agreed address, and nearly a quarter—24 percent—were sent back after committing new crimes.  

 

According to probation leaders, housing instability plays a crucial role in whether an ex-prisoner is recalled. Reports indicate that up to a fifth of those released do not have secure accommodation, making it significantly harder for them to reintegrate into society.  

 

Chief Inspector of Probation Martin Jones has attributed the growing recall population to “excessive” licence conditions, which he says often remain in place for extended periods. He has called for greater efforts to ensure released prisoners have stable housing, warning that the likelihood of reoffending doubles for those without a home.  

 

As concerns mount over the effectiveness of the current system, the MoJ has launched a sentencing review, led by former Conservative justice secretary David Gauke, to examine whether it should be made easier and quicker for recalled prisoners to be re-released.  

 

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has placed blame on the previous government for the ongoing prison crisis, stating, “We have to release people early because otherwise we’ll have an absolute crisis in our prisons.”  

 

An MoJ spokesperson reinforced the government's stance, saying, “Public protection is our number one priority and we do not hesitate to recall offenders back to prison if they break the rules or their risk cannot be safely managed in the community.”  

 

With prison capacity stretched to its limits and the number of recalls climbing, the government now faces a difficult balancing act between maintaining public safety and managing the growing strain on the justice system.

 

Based on a report by Daily Telegraph 2025-02-01