Recidivism Cost Calculator

See the economic case for rehabilitation. Adjust the variables to understand the true cost of incarceration vs investment in reform.

Adjust Variables

Move the sliders to see how costs change

Number of Prisoners 10,000

Time Period (Years) 5

Current Recidivism Rate 25%

Target Recidivism (with Rehab) 12%

Net Savings with Rehabilitation

£692,500,000

866% ROI

Cost Comparison (£ Millions)

Status Quo

Prison Costs: £2,334,800,000
Reoffending Costs: £812,500,000
Lost Output: £1,037,500,000
Total: £4,184,800,000

With Rehabilitation

Prison Costs: £2,334,800,000
Rehabilitation: £80,000,000
Reoffending Costs: £390,000,000
Lost Output: £687,500,000
Total: £3,492,300,000

Prevented Reoffences

1,300

Additional People Employed

2,800

Savings Per Prisoner

£69,250

Rehabilitation Investment

£80,000,000

Data Sources

Cost figures based on Ministry of Justice data, Prison Reform Trust research, and Howard League analysis. Average cost per prisoner: £46,696/year. Current UK recidivism rate: 25.4%.