PRT 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 MPs for the upcoming second reading debate on the Sentencing Bill in the House of Commons on 16 September.
The bill is a critical opportunity to reduce the use of ineffective short prison sentences and reserve custody for the most serious offences. We welcome these reforms but highlight key concerns: earned release must not reinforce racial or age-based inequalities; electronic tagging should be used only where evidence shows it works; and ministerial sign-off of Sentencing Council guidelines risks undermining judicial independence.
Our briefing also stresses that success depends on properly funded probation and community services, and that further action will be needed to prevent future capacity crises.
Read the full briefing below.
PRT briefing for second reading stage of the Sentencing Bill
Read our briefing to assist MPs for the upcoming second reading debate on the Sentencing Bill in the House of Commons.
