An economic evaluation into the 'Through the Gates' programme has been shown to cut re-offending by 40%.

The report, initiated by charity Pro Bono Economics and carried out by economics consultancy Frontier Econonmics, is launched today.

The pioneering study into the Through the Gates programme has been shown to substantially cut re-offending rates, potentially saving the taxpayer millions of pounds.

This is the first study initiated by charity Pro Bono Economics and carried out by leading economics consultancy Frontier Economics.  It concluded that the programme offered ‘outstanding value for money to society’ and calculated savings of over £10million pounds to the taxpayer were brought about from the £1million scheme.  Pro Bono Economics aims to bring economic analysis to help charities measure their impact.

Click here to download the full report.

Through the Gates offered intensive, one-on-one support to prison leavers. St Giles Trust now hopes that similar schemes to will be rolled out on a national basis, providing the opportunity to make a real impact on re-offending.

The London Probation-funded Through the Gates programme, which started in July 2008, offered intensive support for over 1,500 prison leavers returning to London, helping with the difficult transition from custody to community.

The caseworkers, many of whom were trained, reformed ex-prisoners themselves, provided one-on-one support in the crucial early days after release when the risk of re-offending is high if the right support is not in place.  This included help with accommodation, finances and employment support – all factors affecting the likelihood of someone re-offending.