Finding a Bed in Bedford: A Report on Housing Provision for (Ex-)Offenders

This report details the findings and conclusions of research carried out from October 2005 to April 2006 into the housing needs of (ex-)offenders in Bedford. This research sought to identify potential gaps between current provision and need for accommodation, as well as the gaps created when organisations fail to coordinate well. In addition to gaps, this report also identifies many barriers to accommodation which prevent offenders from accessing the housing that is available to them. Some attempts have been made to overcome these barriers, but additional work is needed.

The report recommends increasing the social housing and supported accommodation available for offenders and increasing the provision of floating support and resettlement workers to assist offenders through the accommodation maze. It also suggests how the agencies supporting (ex-)offenders and providing accommodation in Bedford could improve their coordination and cooperation.

Research and writing of this report was undertaken by Amy Delamaide of the King’s Arms Project, with funding from The Bedford Charity.

Download the report here:
Cover page: 0475_Feasibility_Cover.pdf
Main Report: FS_Report_-_Final_-_May_06.pdf