Ex-convicts 'to get money for homes'

A plan to give prisoners financial help so they can find a place to live on their release is being considered by ministers, it was claimed today.

The BBC said it had seen a leaked government document proposing the move as a way of cutting reoffending.

Proposals from Whitehall's social exclusion unit include a big increase in the discharge fee given to inmates on their release - up from the current £40 to £100.

This would give them enough to live on during their first week before they are allowed to claim benefits.

Prisoners who have served terms of up to six months could also apply for housing benefit, it was claimed.

Radio 4's Today programme said the document stated that an offender is six times more likely to commit further crimes if they have no home when released.

In another government move on crime launched today, up to 1,500 young offenders could be released early and tagged in a scheme to ease overcrowding.