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Local Government Association officials have urged companies running bail hostels to disclose their location to councils, prior to them opening. The association's warning followed revelations that Ministry of Justice contractor, Clearsprings, had opened 160 bail centres across England this year, but had not always informed local authorities about their presence. Hazel Harding, chair of the LGA's safer communities board, said there had been a ‘shocking lack of consultation', despite ministers making clear the contractual duty for private providers to consult with councils, police and probation services. Some councillors are, understandably, furious that they have not been adequately consulted on what is happening in their area,' Ms Harding said. She added that failure to consult gave locals the impression bail hostels – which ease prisoners back into society by helping them with accommodation, jobs and benefits – were set up ‘under a veil of secrecy'. A senior ministry source said ministers had reminded contractors to consult on locations with police and councils, but added that publishing full addresses for bail hostels could lead to ‘unnecessary' local protests. Cllr Mark Morris, at Lewisham LBC, told LocalGov's sister publication the MJ he was involved in a long-running battle over the whereabouts of a local hostel and awaited confirmation from officials that the site in question housed people on bail. ‘Most people are rational and accept that bail hostels are a necessary part of prisoner rehabilitation. What concerns me is the lack of transparency about where these sites are. I think that fuels more local hostility,' he said. Clearsprings said it would not accept anybody who posed a serious risk to a local community. A spokesman added: ‘We have always sought to work in partnership with other agencies. We have written to all chief executives who have or are likely to have [our] properties in their areas.'

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WHITEHALL

Call to reveal hostel sites to councils

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