Understanding the Sentencing Act 2026 changes and accessing 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.
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).
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 offenders, local services are available to support you. Find out how to access support below.
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.
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
You can contact the Helpline on 0808 168 9280.
Further information about the Helpline and the support available can be found at https://victimsupport.org.uk/offender-release-helpline.
Individuals affected by the Progression Model, leading to early prison releases who require emotional or practical support can self-refer to Bedfordshire Victim Care Services (BVCS) via the “Contact Us” section of the BVCS website Support for Crime Victims in Bedfordshire | Signpost to Support or access support through referral from the national Victim Support Helpline who can provide initial advice and then will refer to Bedfordshire Victim Care Service for local support.
Bedfordshire Victim Care Services (BVCS) will complete a comprehensive needs assessment with victims who are referred by the Victim Support Helpline, by Bedfordshire Police, or via self-referral. Following this, Bedfordshire Victim Care Services will offer initial safeguarding and support and will signpost and complete onward referrals as appropriate to enable victims to access the support they need, support could include target hardening, advocacy, or therapeutic support.