Prisoners recalled to jail outnumber those released in England and Wales

Recalls rise amid overcrowding

The number of people returned to prison after breaching licence terms reached 52,716 in the year to June. That was 27% higher than in the preceding 12-month period.

Early release measures change

Between September 2024 and June 2026, emergency measures led to the early release of 79,274 inmates. The government introduced them to address prison overcrowding. The emergency arrangements were replaced from 1 October by a permanent early-release scheme under the Sentencing Act 2026.

Pressure affects prison safety

Rob Preece, communications head at the Howard League, said the system faced severe pressure from overcrowding, staff shortages and poor conditions. He said these circumstances made rehabilitation difficult and argued that longer sentences had contributed to the crisis.

Preece also warned that high recall levels were worsening the situation. Incidents of self-harm and violence remained high as pressure on prisons increased.