Nearly half of accommodation arranged for prisoners leaving La Moye last year was temporary, according to a new report – which highlighted a “lack of housing availability” and “rising rental and deposit costs” in Jersey.
The States of Jersey Prison Service’s annual report, presented to Home Affairs Minister Mary Le Hegarat this week, said 91% of prisoners had accommodation arranged on release.
However, it warned that 46% of these accommodation placements were transient or temporary, such as shelters or guest houses.
The report added that “lack of housing availability” and “rising rental and deposit costs” made it difficult to secure “suitable stable accommodation” for prison leavers – which was described as a “contributing factor in successful reintegration”.
An independent inspection of the prison also revealed that a quarter of prisoners were released homeless last year – including some “high-risk men” – which external reviewers described as a “concern”.
HM Chief Inspector of Prisons Charlie Taylor said: “Finding sustainable housing was a huge challenge, given the short supply and high rental prices on the island.”
Earlier this year, the States of Jersey Annual Report and Accounts repeated warnings about the reliance on temporary housing due to challenges getting hold of something more stable – noting that “prison leavers without stable accommodation are more likely to break the law again.”
The findings come despite a push by the Prison Service to build a “rehabilitative culture” at La Moye with an intention of “releasing better neighbours” – with efforts focused on employment, education, and housing.
