Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps are taken by the National Probation Service to ensure that prison leavers can access benefits and food when they leave prison.

From 1 May 2015 Community Rehabilitation Companies (CRCs) have been delivering a Through the Gate (TTG) resettlement service to the vast majority of offenders, so that they benefit from continuity of support from custody to the community. Resettlement services delivered to offenders include help with finding or retaining employment and accommodation, and advice on finance and debt. CRCs are delivering TTG services to both National Probation Service (NPS) and CRC managed offenders. The NPS can also commission additional rehabilitation services from CRCs above mandated TTG services where they believe it will help reduce reoffending.