A Cumbrian MP’s bid to help people coming out of prison have the best possible chance to start a new life is gaining momentum.
Simno Fell, who represents Barrow and Furness, has presented a private members bill to Parliament for its third reading – which means it is edging closer to becoming a law.
The Offenders (Day of Release from Detention) Bill was first brought to Parliament by the MP in December last year, and has since been through a rigorous process of debate by MPs in the chamber of the House of Commons, before further scrutiny by a committee of MPs.
Mr Fell said: “The Offenders (Day of Release from Detention) Bill is a simple law that could make a big difference.
“Currently people released from prison on Fridays face a race against time to access their probation worker and support on issues such as housing, benefits and healthcare before the weekend. This leaves some temporarily homeless, and at a heightened risk of reoffending.
“One in every three offenders is released on a Friday despite them facing these challenges and the data showing that offenders released just before a weekend or bank holiday face a higher rate of reoffending.
“My bill gives prison governors the discretion to release vulnerable offenders up to 48 hours earlier so that they can access the statutory services they most need, and to cut reoffending.”
It is likely to be one of more than 20 Private Members Bills to be sent to Buckingham Palace this Parliamentary session, recommending Royal Ascent.
Presenting the bill for its third reading, Mr Fell said: “We owe it to those who have served their debt to society to give them the best possible chance to turn over the page and establish a new life.
“Unfortunately for too many people released from prison on Friday, especially those who are vulnerable, they face impossible challenges in getting everything done they need to in the last few hours before everything shuts for a weekend.
“Imagine having to arrange accommodation, see your probation officer, register with a GP, and sort out Universal Credit in just a few hours. It is nigh on impossible. That’s why this Bill matters – it gives people a chance to stand on their own two feet rather than being set up to fail.
The bill will now face further scrutiny in the House of Lords which is the upper chamber of the UK Parliament.
Big Issue founder Lord Bird will sponsor and present the bill to the Lords in the coming months. Following debate and any amendments being proposed by the Lords, the Bill will then return to Parliament before being recommended for Royal Ascent from the King.
