Understanding the Sentencing Act 2026 — A new advice guide

The Prison Reform Trust has published a new, accessible advice guide on the Sentencing Act 2026 to help people in prison — and those supporting them — understand the implications of this significant piece of legislation. The act received Royal Assent in January 2026 and introduces a range of reforms in England and Wales, including release arrangements, licence conditions, recall procedures and the structure of certain sentences.

The guide offers clear explanations of changes, including the earned progression model for release on standard determinate sentences, changes to Home Detention Curfew, the extension of fixed term recall periods, new additional licence conditions such as restriction zones and driving prohibitions, and how some changes to sentencing and licence termination will apply over time. The guide also explains that although the act is now law, most provisions are not yet in force and there are some details about how the changes will apply that we do not yet know.

We encourage those who want to understand how these reforms could affect them to read the full guide on our advice pages. It is part of our commitment to provide timely, reliable information to help people in prison and their families navigate these complex changes. We aim to update the guide as and when further details are confirmed.