Written question asked by Baroness Anelay of St Johns (Conservative), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Bassam of Brighton (Labour) on Wednesday, 31 January 2007.

Prisoners: Eviction

Question: asked Her Majesty's Government:How many prisoners currently serving a custodial sentence have been served with a notice of eviction from their usual place of residence during their custodial sentence; and

Answer: Information on the number of prisoners currently serving a custodial sentence who have been served with a notice of eviction is not recorded in prisons. There is a substantial agenda of action in hand to help deliver suitable housing for released prisoners, including the development of prison-based housing advice and support services. Access to accommodation advice is now available in all prisons and it is recognised that sustaining, transferring or appropriately closing down existing accommodation is crucial in helping offenders to either return to their homes or increase the opportunity of finding alternative accommodation on release from custody. As part of routine induction procedures, all new offenders received into custody are assessed for accommodation need and referred to prison housing advice teams where necessary. If, during a custodial sentence, an offender receives an eviction notice, advice is available from prison housing teams who will either directly assist the offender on the appropriate course of action to take or, where formal advocacy or legal services are required, refer the offender to a recognised housing organisation for assistance.

Secondary information