NCJ Number
155439
Date Published
1995
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This analysis of a government proposal to limit to 13 weeks the length of time for paying rent for inmates in the United Kingdom concludes that little basis exists for the proposed change.
Abstract
The current regulations make prisoners serving sentences of up to 2 years eligible for assistance. Under the new system, assistance would be restricted to inmates serving sentences of up to 6 months, who receive conditional release subject to good behavior after 13 weeks in custody. The new 13-week limit would also apply to most temporary absences for reasons other than imprisonment. The Secretary of State for Social Security proposed the change in October 1994; the Department of Social Security has submitted draft regulations. Contrary to a statement from the Department of Social Security, public and media criticism of the current rules has been almost nonexistent. The proposed change is a misguided one that would increase homelessness and reoffending by released inmates.