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.

The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Nottinghamshire has been awarded £195,000 from the Ministry of Justice to help enhance capacity of local services for those who may be affected by the early prison release scheme.

This has been allocated to the below services over three years:

Nottinghamshire Victim CARE, delivered by Remedi and commissioned by the OPCC, is a free service offering victims of crime the chance to speak to a trained victim support professional who can provide a range of practical and emotional support.

Notts Victim CARE can be contacted on 0800 304 7575 or Home Page (nottsvictimcare.org.uk).

Nottinghamshire Domestic Abuse Helpline, delivered by Juno Women's Aid, provides free, confidential 24hr telephone support to survivors, their families and friends. The Helpline is available 24hrs on 0808 800 0340 - Text Relay is available for callers who are deaf or hearing impaired. If using a textphone, prefix the Helpline number by 18001.

Male Domestic Abuse Helpline provides free, confidential support for men, or those identifying as men who are experiencing domestic abuse. The helpline is available on 0800 995 6999 Monday to Friday 9.30am to 4.30pm excluding bank holidays (7.30pm on Wednesdays) – 24/7 confidential answerphone available outside these times or email helpline@equation.org.uk

LGBTQ+ Domestic Abuse Helpline provides free, confidential support for LGBTQ+ people experiencing domestic abuse. The helpline is available on 03300 880 787 Monday to Friday 9.30am to 4.30pm excluding bank holidays (7.30pm on Wednesdays) – 24/7 confidential answerphone available outside these times or email helpline@equation.org.uk

Nottinghamshire Women's Aid provide free, confidential support for women, children and teenagers who live in Bassetlaw, Mansfield and Newark and Sherwood. Notts Women's Aid can be contacted on their 24hr freephone helpline 0808 800 0340 - a 24 Hour Text Helpline for use with a DDT or TTY is also available on 0808 800 0341

Nottinghamshire Sexual Violence Support Services (Notts SVSS) provides confidential support for survivors of sexual violence aged 18 and over, including rape, sexual assault, and childhood sexual abuse, as well as support for partners, family members, and carers. Notts SVSS can be contacted on 0115 941 0440 or Online Self Referral Form | Notts SVS Services