The number of people leaving prison homeless in Greater Manchester has dramatically risen by four fifths, according to recent MoJ data.
The region has experienced the second biggest spike in England and Wales with 1045 people released from prison into homelessness in the past year – that’s nearly three people a day.
The social justice charity, Nacro, which runs services for people leaving prison, is calling for more investment in local services to tackle the problem. The call comes ahead of reforms that will be implemented from the upcoming Independent Sentencing Review which outlines ways to reduce the number of people in prison.
In April 2023-2024 the number of prison leavers released into homelessness in Greater Manchester was 575. In April 2024-2025 it increased to 1045 – a 82% rise.
Leaving prison homeless means you are twice as likely to reoffend as someone who comes out into settled accommodation, with reoffending costing the country £23.6 billion each year.
Campbell Robb, Chief Executive at Nacro, said: “Leaving prison without a home is the terrible consequence of a broken system.
“Last year, in Greater Manchester 1045 people left prison homeless, making it incredibly difficult for them to move on in a positive way with their lives after prison.
“The need for a secure place to live will become even greater, as more people are likely to serve more of their sentences in the community under the proposed sentencing reforms.
“Despite recent investment, these figures show that further action is needed. Long-term joined-up support and housing are essential if we want people to rebuild their lives and reduce reoffending.
“We will continue to work with Government and all partners inside and outside of prison to do what we can to try and ensure people get the support they need on release.”
