Early Release Scheme Support
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.
Changes in The Sentencing Act 2026
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 from 1st October 2026 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).
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)
How To Access Support
If you have been affected by these changes or are worried about the release of an offender, support services are available to help you.
Victim Support’s dedicated Offender Release Helpline provides information, emotional and practical support, and help to access other services for people affected by, or worried about, the release of an offender.
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Offender Release Helpline If you're worried about the offender release changes, the helpline offers:
Victim Support cannot discuss individual cases or provide release dates – your Victim Liaison Officer can support you with this, if you have one. If you are part of the Victim Contact Scheme, your Victim Liaison Office can give you information about the offender in your case. You do not need to be part of the Victim Contact Scheme to use the helpline. The helpline is for anyone affected by the changes – including victims, witnesses, family members, friends, carers and professionals. Victim Support are there to help you – if you are unsure what support you need, you can call them and they will talk through your options with you. Call the Victim Support Offender Release Helpline on: 0808 168 9280 Or click HERE Opening hours: Monday – Friday 9am to 5pm (excluding bank holidays). |
The Helpline is there to:
- Listen to victims and survivors’ concerns and offer emotional support
- Discuss wellbeing, safety and possible next steps
- Provide practical guidance and help callers understand what the changes may mean
- Explain how someone may be able to seek further information, the Helpline cannot provide information about individual offenders or case specific release dates.
- Help people access ongoing or specialist support where appropriate
FAQs
Why are prison release arrangements changing?
The Government introduced changes to prison release arrangements through the Sentencing Act 2026 as part of a range of measures to ease capacity issues in prisons across England and Wales.
This approach is often referred to as the early release scheme.
What is the new progression model?
The Progression Model (early release of prisoners) applies where prisoners are serving a Standard Determinate Sentence.
An offender’s sentence will have three stages:
- Stage 1: Prison
- Stage 2: Intensive supervision in the community
- Stage 3: Final period on licence in the community
The Progression Model changes the amount of time offenders will spend in prison (stage 1) before entering intensive supervision in the community (stage 2).
Will every offender’s release date change?
No. The changes do not apply to more than 18,000 offenders.
For a list of offences that this model does NOT apply to, please visit Sentencing Act offence exclusions.
What safeguards will be in place?
Offenders released through the Progression Model will be subject to licence conditions and a period of intensive supervision.
Offenders who do not adhere to these conditions, may be ‘recalled’ and taken back to prison.
Probation Service practitioners will also have discretion to apply appropriate licence conditions where necessary and proportionate. These can include:
- prohibition on contacting the victim or their family;
- requirement to reside at a particular address so their location can be monitored and managed as part of their supervision;
- requirement to take alcohol tests;
- prohibition from driving, attending public events, or entering pubs, clubs and bars.
- for some serious sexual and violent offenders, additional restrictions may be imposed, including areas they are prohibited from leaving (restriction zones).
How will victims receive information about release date changes and licence conditions?
Victims of specified serious sexual or violent offences, where an offender receives a prison sentence of 12 months or more, will be notified of any changes to their offender’s release through the Victim Contact Scheme.
The Government will be implementing a new process to enable victims who are not eligible for the Victim Contact Scheme to request information about an offender.
Victims affected by the early release of prisoners will be identified and, where contact details are available, will be contacted with an explanation of how they can request information about their case.
For advice on how you can request information yourself, contact the Victim Support Offender Release Helpline.
Can the national helpline give me information about my offender’s release?
No. The National Offender Release Helpline can discuss your wellbeing, your safety, provide emotional and practical guidance and help callers understand what the changes may mean.
Victim Support can explain how to seek further information about your case.
Where can I access support?
If you have been affected by the changes or are worried about the early release of an offender, emotional and practical support is available from the Offender Release Helpline.
The helpline is for anyone affected by the changes – including victims, witnesses, family members, friends, carers and professionals.
Interpreting services are available for individuals for whom English is not a first language and for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired.
Emotional and practical support is also available from Victim Support Dorset.
The crime I experienced happened a long time ago, can I still access support?
Yes. Victims can access support regardless of how long ago the crime they experienced happened.
I am worried for my safety, what can I do?
Being told that an offender may be released earlier than expected can feel unsettling or frightening.
- If you are in immediate danger, call 999.
If you are NOT in immediate danger, but are concerned, worried or frightened you can:
- Speak to your Victim Liaison Officer if you have one, they can explain what information is available and discuss any concerns you may have.
- Contact the Victim Support Offender Release Helpline or Victim Support Dorset to access dedicated free, confidential advice and support.