38% of men released from Leicester prison homeless

In its latest annual report for 2025-26 the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) at Leicester prison expressed concern about the increasing number of men who leave the prison without accommodation. With nowhere suitable to go once released, prisoners struggle to access the support they need in the community, increasing the likelihood of reoffending.

The IMB notes that:

• The percentage of men released without first night accommodation has increased from 33% in 2024 to 38% in 2025, with only 18% able to access settled accommodation where they might find longer-term stability.
• Education provision in the prison has been cut by 50%. Without the opportunity to learn, more men are being locked up for 22 hours a day, which negatively impacts mental and physical wellbeing.
• Too many severely mentally ill men were held in unsuitable conditions because of delays in transferring them to psychiatric hospitals.
• Shower facilities for wheelchair users and those with limited physical mobility are lacking.

However, it is also pleased to report that:

• There was a 17% reduction in self-harm incidents, following a 33% reduction the previous reporting year. In particular, the Board has noted the effective work done by prison officers to engage with prolific self-harmers.
• There was a 22% decrease in the number of violent incidents this year compared with 2024. However, this remains too high and above the long-term trend from earlier years.

IMB Chair, Kevin Moody, said:

“Safety in Leicester prison is improving for all who reside and work there. However, the Board is concerned that prisoners are not being equipped with everything they need to stay out of trouble when they are back in the community. Without stable accommodation men may struggle to access the support they require, and any increased likelihood of reoffending simply puts these men and the public at further risk.”