Petition · past parliament
Utilise Reading Prison as a Shelter for the Homeless
Closed
599 signatures
What the petition asks
Reading currently has the highest number of homeless not only in Berkshire but in the South East; as taxpayers we're already paying for this building to be heated, the lights kept on and the water running, it just makes sense when there are people, our people, outside in the cold, wind and rain.
Since 2013, Reading Prison which has a potential capacity to hold over 500 people, that has running water and still being heated, is just lying empty.
So far it has cost the taxpayer in excess of a £1 Million to mothball. Unused for the last 5 years (save an art exhibition and the odd film production company using it for shooting locations), it seems to me almost criminal, when so many are in need of warmth and shelter to not utilise this for those of who find themselves homeless.
So far it has cost the taxpayer in excess of a £1 Million to mothball. Unused for the last 5 years (save an art exhibition and the odd film production company using it for shooting locations), it seems to me almost criminal, when so many are in need of warmth and shelter to not utilise this for those of who find themselves homeless.
Timeline
| 27 Sep 2018 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 27 Mar 2019 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
599
Status
Closed
Opened
27 Sep 2018
Closed
27 Mar 2019
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.