Awarded major national housing contract

Nacro has won the contract to deliver housing and support services for people in or at risk of entering the criminal justice system.
Commissioned by the Ministry of Justice, the Bail Accommodation and Support Service (BASS) prevents the unnecessary use of prison for low and medium risk people on bail or other licence agreements and reduces the negative impact this has on family life, employment and housing by providing accommodation as well as appropriate support.

Providing short term accommodation for those released from prison reduces the chances of them re-offending, thereby preventing more innocent people becoming victims of crime and helping to save money in the long term. It can also be beneficial for victims of crime, for example, by helping to ensure that someone on bail accused of domestic violence is housed some distance from the victim and does not return to the family home.

Nacro has been supporting vulnerable and disadvantaged people across the country for more than 50 years through its work in housing, education, health and with people in the criminal justice system. As a registered housing provider, Nacro will deliver a range of short-term housing solutions for vulnerable people including young people and those who are homeless.

With a strong emphasis on influencing policy, Nacro will work as a strategic partner with the Ministry of Justice to consider the housing solutions to meet its key policy objectives.

Nacro Chief Executive, Jacob Tas, said:

“We are delighted to have the opportunity to harness our experience of helping people turn their lives around through providing housing and support. We know first-hand how crucial having the right type of housing can be to supporting people to move forwards in their lives and reduce reoffending. We very much look forward to welcoming the experienced and committed staff team from the current provider to Nacro.”

Prisons and Probation Minister Rory Stewart said:

“I’m delighted that we have been able to award this contract to Nacro, which will use its 50 years of expertise in this area to help rehabilitate offenders and protect the public.

“We know that having accommodation can have a big impact on whether someone re-offends – it increases their chances of turning away from crime, finding a job and contributing to society and ultimately protects the public.

“It’s vital that we continue to work in partnership with the voluntary sector and draw on its massive experience and enthusiasm in supporting offenders and vulnerable people.

“The Government has been providing short-term accommodation for a small number of low and medium risk offenders since 2007. The new contract will commence in June 2018, when Nacro will take over the service from the current provider, Stonham (Home Group).”