When I was househunting last year, I came very close to putting in an offer for a surprisingly well-priced two bed flat. Only at the last minute did I discover that the house next door was what the man from Foxtons described as a “halfway house” – ie, a bail hostel. No need to worry, the estate agent explained, if these chaps were a risk they wouldn’t let them out of prison.
I had a flashback to these words today when I read David Hanson, the prisons minister, assuring us that the 150 hostels opening from next month, with minimal consultation, will only house people judged a “safe risk.” If any CoffeeHousers feel in danger of believing Mr Hanson, watching a quick section of this Panorama on bail hostels is the remedy.

Britain’s best politics newsletters
You get two free articles each week when you sign up to The Spectator’s emails.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Comments
Join the debate for just £1 a month
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for £3.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just £1 a monthAlready a subscriber? Log in