Offences against Children: Prisoners' Release
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether offenders servicing sentences for sexual abuse against children are eligible for the Early Release Scheme.
Answered by Jake Richards
This Government inherited a prisons system days from collapse. We had no choice but to take decisive action to stop our prisons overflowing and keep the public safe. Our landmark Sentencing Act 2026 will now deliver a more sustainable solution to the prison capacity crisis we inherited, including through the progression model which will help ensure there are always enough places for the courts to be able to send people to custody in order to keep the public safe.
The changes to release only apply to offenders serving Standard Determinate Sentences. Over 18,000 offenders serving more serious sentences like extended Determinate Sentences or life sentences will be unaffected by these reforms and will continue to be released under their existing arrangements.
Once released, offenders will be managed under strict licence conditions in the community. Offenders released on licence can be recalled if they breach their conditions or if they cannot be safely managed in the community.
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