The Government’s Sentencing Bill received Royal Assent in January this year. The new Act follows recommendations from an independent review led by David Gauke to create a more effective, less crowded justice system.
Aim to reduce prison overcrowding
The prison population has been at an all-time high. This government is clearly determined to do something about this. Consequently, The Sentencing Act 2026 aims to reduce prison overcrowding.
Presumption of suspended sentences
Sentencing will be reformed, including a presumption to suspend sentences of 12 months or less. Ultimately, this marks the end of short prison sentences.
Summary
To summarise, there will now be:
- An earned progression model whereby prisoners on standard determinate sentences may spend longer behind bars if they behave badly, with a focus on rehabilitation and earned release.
- Tougher community sentences whereby judges have enhanced powers to impose tougher community-based punishments, such as restrictions on attending specific venues like pubs, concerts and sports matches.
- Recall to reforms: changes to how long offenders stay in prison when recalled.
Implementation
The Act does not come into effect immediately and will be rolled out over the next two years.
Steve Parker, CEO
Steve Parker, CEO at CASS+, explains:
‘We hope this reform marks the beginning of a new era. We support any lasting change. So many of our clients feel let down by the system generally.
Unmet health and social needs
There are many unmet health and social needs. As a result, the people who come through our door need practical help and emotional support to break the cycle of repeat offending.
These changes will only work if there is concurrent investment in support and rehabilitation services. Ultimately, this would maximise opportunities to address the underlying issues and ensure lasting change. Many of the people who come through our door need to be lifted out of poverty. We work with the courts, ushers, legal advisors, solicitors, probation, social services and charities to get them the ongoing practical help and emotional support they need. Most importantly, they need solutions to complicated situations.
People need one-to-one support
Above all, people need one-to-one help and support for things like housing, substance use, access to the internet, help filling in forms, rehab treatment, counselling, education and employment. We all need to work together to create safer neighbourhoods. This is how we can all help them towards a more settled life.
Breaking the cycle of repeat offending
Our aim is to break the cycle of repeat offending. Our one-to-one work demonstrates that evidence-led community alternatives are the most effective way to tackle the root causes of reoffending. Meanwhile, the courts are as busy as always, and the issues our clients face are as complicated as ever.
We are 100% dedicated to breaking the cycle of repeat offending. We all need to work together help people towards a more settled life and, ultimately, create safer neighbourhoods.’
Want to work with us?
If you run a service that would benefit the people who come through our door, please contact admin@cassplus.org. We would love to work with you.