Story perspectives

700 prisoners freed early as England’s release scheme expands

By Drooid · Oct 5, 2026, 1:59 AM UTC · How we work

Center

Custodial time cut

On Thursday 1 October 2026, about 700 prisoners were released early under the government’s expanded early-release scheme in England and Wales.
The government says the scheme cuts custodial time to one-third, excludes rape, serious child sexual offences and manslaughter, and imposes toughest supervision with electronic tagging.
The Sentencing Act 2026 lowered the release threshold from 40% to one-third.
Ministry of Justice reported prison population at 87,499, up 1,738 since 29 June.

Left

Survivors Fear Release

On Thursday 1 October 2026, about 700 prisoners were released early under the government’s expanded early-release scheme in England and Wales.
Survivors of domestic abuse warn they will be left vulnerable because many perpetrators remain eligible for release and safeguards are deemed insufficient.
Domestic abuse commissioner Dame Nicole Jacobs said survivors will be “looking over their shoulder”.
Treasury secretary James Murray admitted he cannot guarantee survivors’ safety despite electronic tagging.

History

Historical Context

The Criminal Justice Act 2003 created the UK Home Detention Curfew, letting eligible prisoners leave up to 180 days early under a 7 p.m.–7 a.m. electronic-tag curfew. By 2005 roughly 20% of community supervision used electronic monitoring. Recent releases in the latest round have revived concerns about supervision capacity and survivor safety.

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Custodial time cut

On Thursday 1 October 2026, about 700 prisoners were released early under the government’s expanded early-release scheme in England and Wales.
The government says the scheme cuts custodial time to one-third, excludes rape, serious child sexual offences and manslaughter, and imposes toughest supervision with electronic tagging.
The Sentencing Act 2026 lowered the release threshold from 40% to one-third.
Ministry of Justice reported prison population at 87,499, up 1,738 since 29 June.

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