Eleven high-risk offender hostels closed during England and Wales early-release scheme

Eleven approved premises for high-risk offenders in England and Wales were closed as early releases began, the Guardian disclosed on 7 October 2026. That is nearly one in eight of the 104-site network, which houses about 2,000 people for up to 12 weeks. Capacity will bear watching as 2,000 releases are due within a month.