A COMPANY which accommodates and supports men leaving prison has submitted an application to Bradford Council to allow “long-term” investment. 

The Langley House Trust, which has provided a service at Box Tree Cottage, Allerton Road, since the 1960s, is now seeking permission to become an Independent Approved Premises (IAP).

A spokesperson for Langley House said it wants to make sure it has arrangements in place for the future.

They said it currently has no planning status, because arrangements were less clearly defined when the premises were acquired 1961. 

Chris Metcalfe, Corporate Operations Director, said: “We have successfully delivered this work over many years at Box Tree Cottage and it is right that we secure its future properly, so that we can continue to play our part in supporting men leaving custody.”

A supporting statement on the application, written by Andy Tollett, Head of Housing and Property, says: “Box Tree Cottage has always provided supported residential accommodation for men with multiple needs, mental health issues and and substance misuse issues.

“This is a forensic step-down service with a high level of support, which has an excellent track record of keeping ex-offenders away from prison.”
It adds: “The Trust is now looking to register Box Tree Cottage with the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) as an IAP.

“The benefits to the Trust are a sustainable, long-term contract which provides one clear, defined funding stream.

“This would allow the organisation to invest long-term in the property and provide positive outcomes for clients.

“It also promotes closer working between Langley House Trust and the Probation Services; this will allow increased support for the service with additional safeguards in place.

“As an IAP, Box Tree Cottage will continue to support the same types of clients with the same types of needs. Through Box Tree Cottage, the Trust will continue to provide residential accommodation for men with with multiple needs, mental health issues and substance misuse issues, as a forensic step-down service with a high level of support.

“Box Tree Cottage will remain as move-on accommodation in the community, supported by staff.”

The statement says the key change is that people will be referred from prisons, not from the local authority or police force, and the clients will be funded by the MoJ.

It concludes: “There will be no changes to existing safety and security provision, which is based upon the need to protect the personal safety and mental stability of residents.

“Agreements for clients to come and go from the premises will be unaltered.”
It will continue to provide accommodation for a total of 17 men over the age of 18.