Prison recalls 28 per cent in England and Wales, new figures show

The number of criminals being released on license in prisons in England and Wales has risen, new government figures show.

In the year There were 51,419 consent notes at the end of March 2026, a 28% increase on the previous year’s 40,259.

While January-March recalls were slightly lower than the previous three-month period, they remain well above historical levels.

The figures follow government plans to release more convicts in a bid to ease prison overcrowding.

The Ministry of Justice (MOJ) said offenders on parole face strict conditions “and may be sent to prison if they breach these laws”.

Kasia Rowland, from the Institute for Government think tank, said most recalls were for breaching license conditions, such as failing to keep an appointment, rather than committing further crimes or posing a serious risk to the public.

“The probation service is overcrowded, with high caseloads and many vacancies putting inexperienced staff under enormous pressure,” she said.