Fury as SNP blows millions to free prisoners early
The ‘reckless’ early release of criminals including violent and dangerous thugs from Scottish jails is set to land taxpayers with a bill of up to £2million.
The extension of the controversial Scottish Government scheme will see hundreds of convicted prisoners freed from February next year.
The plan has been blasted by opposition politicians and victims’ groups as another example of soft-touch Scotland. And it has now emerged the policy will drain the public purse of millions of pounds.
Scottish Tory justice spokesman Liam
Kerr said the stepping-up of the early release scheme was an ‘outright betrayal of victims who the SNP abandon at every turn’.
Inmates are being set free early by the SNP due to prison overcrowding
He added: ‘The SNP’s reckless plans to release hundreds more prisoners are being railroaded through parliament with little consideration to the cost of the legislation.
‘Not only does this risk public safety and insult victims, but hard-pressed Scots will be
paying through the nose for the pleasure of having dangerous criminals back on our streets.’
The draft legislation published earlier this week shows the cost of processing the mass release is estimated at nearly £500,000.
Another chunk of public cash is earmarked for a ‘legal services team’ to notify victims.
There will also be pressure on housing as councils try to find accommodation as the prisoners are freed in February.
The SNP plan will see those jailed for less than four years let out after serving only 40 per cent of their sentences – down from 50 per cent at present.
The change will be made permanent under the legislation, meaning every year hundreds more criminals will get out early.
Victim Support Scotland said fewer than 20 people were informed that offenders in their cases were being freed in the summer – the last round of early releases, which saw nearly 500 inmates get out.
The charity’s chief executive Kate Wallace said: ‘While we acknowledge the challenges around the prison population, it is important any changes do not place the public or victims more at risk.’
Of the 477 prisoners freed in June and July, 57 were later rearrested. More than a third of those locked up again had committed violent crimes.
The new plans will see between 260 and 390 inmates freed in February. Those jailed for sex offences or domestic violence will not be included – but violent offenders will be eligible.
The plans come despite the SNP pledging in 2015 to abolish automatic early releases.
Government documents say ministers recognise ‘any change to prisoners’ release processes will impact victims of crime’.
Officials estimate £1.5million to £2million will be spent as ‘one-off implementation costs’ for February’s release scheme.
Staffing costs relating to ‘pre-release planning and
additional administration’ are expected to be £498,540 for the prison service. The ‘assessment of housing needs and the provision of accommodation’ will cost councils up to £1.3million.
A tranche of other associated costs are further laid out by the officials.
The Bill also proposes giving ministers new powers to order the early automatic release of long-term prisoners – those serving more than four years for more serious offences.
Justice Secretary Angela Constance, who has ruled out building more jails, said: ‘The prison population is projected to reach critical levels again. Action is necessary to support the effective functioning of prisons.’
Asked about the early release scheme, a government spokesman said: ‘The estimated implementation costs would be around £1.5million to £2million.’
