Phase 2 of Project Bedford: The Return Home Initiative - - - - - - - - - - I’m launching and funding a voluntary scheme to return persistent offenders and addicts with no local ties to Bedford, to their hometowns. This will reduce the burden on Bedford and improve outcomes for the individuals themselves. A large share of anti-social behaviour in our town comes from people with no connection to Bedford. They are dumped here by other councils or released from HMP Bedford without a proper resettlement plan. Note: - 30% of prisoners released from HMP Bedford are homeless on release - Reoffending, relapse, and homelessness are all higher when people are left without local ties - Government guidance confirms people fare far better when returned to areas where they have family, support, or service history This is a win-win: it restores in Bedford and gives people a better shot at rebuilding their lives. Next week, I’ll publish the full plan, protocols, and safeguards, including an option to work directly with HMP Bedford. If you oppose this, you’re not helping Bedford and you’re not helping the people either.(Peter McCormack 🏴‍☠️🇬🇧🇮🇪)