Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham has announced a review of the government's prisoner early release scheme, citing concerns over public safety and rising reoffending rates. The scheme, introduced to alleviate prison overcrowding, allows certain offenders to be released up to 70 days before the end of their sentence.
Review triggered by rising reoffending
Burnham said the review was prompted by data showing that nearly 40% of prisoners released early under the scheme had reoffended within six months. 'We cannot have a system that prioritises freeing up prison spaces over the safety of our communities,' Burnham said in a statement. 'This review will examine whether the scheme is working as intended or if it needs to be scrapped entirely.'
The review will be led by former chief inspector of prisons Nick Hardwick and is expected to report its findings within three months. It will assess the impact on crime rates, victim support, and the effectiveness of supervision for those released early.
Government defends the scheme
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson defended the scheme, saying it was 'necessary to manage prison capacity' and that 'all releases are subject to risk assessments and strict licence conditions.' However, Burnham argued that local police forces were not being consulted adequately, leading to a lack of coordination in monitoring released prisoners.
The announcement has been welcomed by victims' groups, who have long criticised the scheme for prioritising administrative convenience over justice. 'For too long, victims have been left in the dark when offenders are released early,' said Rachel Davies, chief executive of the charity Victims' Support. 'This review is a crucial step towards restoring trust in the system.'
Impact on Greater Manchester
In Greater Manchester, around 1,200 prisoners have been released early under the scheme since its inception in 2023. Police data shows that these releases have contributed to a 5% increase in theft and burglary rates in the region. Burnham said the review would also consider whether local authorities should have more power to object to early releases in high-risk cases.
The review will also examine the impact on prison staffing and rehabilitation programmes. 'Early release should not mean early abandonment,' Burnham added. 'We need to ensure that prisoners are properly supported to reintegrate into society, otherwise we are just storing up problems for the future.'
