A new partnership between Cheshire’s police and crime commissioner, Dan Price, and the Prisoners Building Homes (PBH) programme has been launched to help address housing shortages and cut reoffending across the county.
Traditionally, the PBH programme has focused on creating employment opportunities for people currently in prison or recently released. In Cheshire, the initiative will be broadened to include individuals on probation serving community orders who are already living locally. Around 3,000 people in the county are currently under probation supervision, many of whom are looking for stable work and a fresh start.
The scheme is designed to grow the region’s construction workforce, support rehabilitation, and speed up the delivery of affordable, low-carbon homes.
The PBH model offers paid work from day one, accredited training in construction, and a clear pathway into long-term employment.
‘A powerful opportunity’
The Cheshire programme builds on the commissioner’s existing efforts to help ex-offenders into meaningful jobs through his Fresh Start initiative.
“This partnership represents a powerful opportunity for Cheshire,” Price said. “By opening the door to people on probation who are ready to work, we’re strengthening our communities, accelerating the delivery of affordable homes and giving individuals a real chance to rebuild their lives.
“This is exactly the kind of innovation that makes Cheshire safer, fairer and more resilient for the future.”
Price said he aims to identify new housing sites within four weeks, with plans for the first phase of homes to be completed and occupied by spring 2027.
Building stronger communities
Sophie Baker, director of PBH, said the partnership will help unlock smaller sites and deliver much-needed affordable housing for local communities.
“This initiative not only increases housing supply, but also creates employment opportunities, reduces reoffending and helps build stronger, more resilient communities,” Baker added.
“We are also pleased to pilot an extension of our existing support programme for people in custody and those post-release. This expanded offer will include individuals on probation subject to community orders, providing early intervention to help prevent escalation of offending and reduce the likelihood of custody.”
