Early-release prisoners face street homelessness as temporary probation housing runs out

Summary

Prisoners released early in England are facing street homelessness as temporary probation accommodation expires, according to charities and probation staff. One man, James, 37, was released from prison in August and given temporary probation accommodation in Somerset. With that set to end in four days, he says nowhere will help him after he contacted MPs, solicitors, probation and the council. He said: "It is scary." Charities say the situation exposes a ‘fatal flaw’ in Andy Burnham’s plan to end rough sleeping in England by Christmas.

Timeline

1. The Guardian

   7 Nov 2026, 07:00 UTCSource ↗

   The Guardian reports that charities say early-release prisoners facing homelessness exposes a ‘fatal flaw’ in Andy Burnham’s plan to end rough sleeping in England by Christmas, citing James, 37, who has four days before his probation accommodation in Somerset expires.