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.
Further information regarding domestic abuse survivors can be found here Prisoner early release: information for domestic abuse survivors - Women’s Aid
For support
Anyone experiencing violence against women, domestic abuse or sexual violence, or abuse, or those concerned about somebody at risk – support is available to you now.
The Live Fear Free Helpline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for women, children and men experiencing domestic abuse, sexual violence or other forms of violence against women.
- Call 0808 80 10 800
- Email info@livefearfreehelpline.wales
- Text 07860 077333
- Visit https://gov.wales/live-fear-free/contact-live-fear-free to use our webchat service.
Local support services for victims within the Dyfed-Powys area;
In order to enhance support for those affected by the Early Release Scheme (ERS) we have developed a single point of contact locally across Dyfed Powys, in the form of an Early Release Scheme (ERS) Victims’ Champion, who would represent a dedicated and visible support for those affected. The role will take referrals and hold a caseload of victim-survivors providing advocacy, information, emotional support and practical assistance.
The specialist role will liaise with criminal justice partners to ensure victim-survivors are kept up to date with developments within the criminal justice system. Key to this will be the provision of advocacy to gather information from statutory agencies, support providers and other bodies to inform victim-survivors. Sat within our existing multi crime support service run by Victim Support, the victims’ champion will work with those affected by changes to criminal justice arrangements to feel safe, informed and supported, while strengthening local provision and partnership working.
The Victims’ Champion will work closely with statutory agencies, including the police, probation, courts and other criminal justice teams to ensure the victim-survivor is informed and have their needs met through assessment and safety and support planning.
Phone: 0300 123 2996
Email: dyfed.powys@victimsupport.org.uk
Website: Dyfed-powys - Victim Support