The Government is introducing changes to prison release arrangements through the Sentencing Act 2026. These changes are intended to help ensure there is enough space in prisons, while making sure there is tough supervision of offenders when they are released to keep victims and the wider public safe.
The Sentencing Act 2026 makes changes to the amount of time some offenders spend in prison before being released to serve the rest of their sentence on licence.
A new three-part model will be introduced for standard determinate sentences called a ‘Progression Model’. Protecting victims remains a priority. All offenders released through the Progression Model will be subject to strict licence conditions and a period of intensive supervision.
The changes do not apply to more than 18,000 offenders. For a list of offences that this model does not apply to visit sentencing act offence exclusions (opens in new window).
What support is available to victims?
The Government has set up the Victim Support: Offender Release Helpline to provide emotional support, practical advice, and to help people understand what support may be available to them. The helpline will not be able to provide specific case details or release dates.
The free helpline is available to people seeking information, reassurance or support in relation to offender release under the Progression Model.
Phone: 0808 168 9280 – Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (excluding bank holidays)
Read more information on the Offender Release Helpline homepage – Victim Support
If you are a victim of crime, you can find support services in your local area.
More information about the Progression Model, what is changing, how victims can be informed and what support is available can be found at: A guide for victims about the changes to prison release arrangements – GOV.UK (opens in new window)