PRT committee stage briefing on the Sentencing Bill

With the prison population at a near record high and capacity close to breaking point, we have published a briefing to assist members of the House of Lords for the upcoming committee stage debates on the Sentencing Bill, begining on 26 November.

As members of the House of Lords begin their line by line scrutiny of the bill, this briefing addresses key amendments and new clauses.

The amendments aim to improve fairness, reduce reoffending, and address systemic issues within the criminal justice system. ​ This includes making it clear that courts may impose community sentences in ‘cusp of custody’ cases, helping to reduce unnecessary imprisonment, particularly for women. ​ Other amendments focus on protecting the independence of the Sentencing Council; ensuring transparency through annual reporting on prison and probation capacity; and expanding earned release opportunities for Standard Determinate Sentenced (SDS) and Extended Determinate Sentenced (EDS) prisoners to encourage rehabilitation and address overcrowding.

Additionally, the amendments seek to enhance procedural safeguards, such as allowing people to make representations about licence conditions and introducing Parole Board oversight for restriction zones. ​ They also propose granting IPP (Imprisonment for Public Protection) prisoners the right to apply for an annual licence review, building on the success of licence terminations to reduce the long-term impact of these sentences. ​ Finally, the removal of the power to remand individuals in custody for their own protection aims to prevent the disproportionate impact of this practice on vulnerable groups, especially women and girls. ​

Read the full briefing below.