Labour's Covert Plans to Open Bail Hostels

Conservatives have today published a Government memo revealing that a Government scheme to open around 200 bail hostels in residential neighbourhoods sets out to avoid the scrutiny of the public, media and councillors.

The private company ClearSprings has been contracted by the Government to provide temporary accommodation for criminal suspects who would otherwise be remanded in custody, and for tagged prisoners released early into the community.

ClearSprings enters into agreements with local authorities when it plans to open a new property.  A previously unpublished Local Authority protocol drawn up by ClearSprings reveals that their hostels can be opened without public consultation and do not even require the consent of councils or the Probation Service.  The memo also states that neighbours will only be informed about the plans by letter once the hostels have been given the go-ahead.

Cllr Andy Morgan, Parliamentary candidate for Bolton South East said “The Government has failed to provide enough prison capacity so they’ve devised a covert plan to set up what amount to mini open jails in residential areas while avoiding any consultation with the public.

“Placing offenders in residential properties causes immense aggravation when neighbours suddenly discover what’s going on, only to be told that they are powerless to stop it and the local community didn’t even need to be consulted.

“Nor is this a sensible way to assist homeless offenders, who receive minimal supervision and support in temporary converted accommodation, when what they need is a long-term programme of resettlement.

“In place of these clumsy emergency measures we need a proper programme of prison reform to focus on rehabilitation and ensure that public safety and confidence is maintained.”

"We (the Conservative Group) will be seeking an update from the Chief Executive of Bolton Council to establish if there are any such facilities in Bolton and if any recent discussions have been held with ClearSprings recently with regards proposals to open any such establishments.''