House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement
Independent Sentencing Review
22 May 2025 · Ministry of Justice
Proposed by Shabana Mahmood Lab Birmingham Ladywood
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
At a glance
Key points
- The government accepts in principle the recommendation of an earned progression model for sentences.
- The government increases funding for probation services and standardizes recall periods.
- A 4.7bn investment for prison building over the next decade is announced.
Issue summary
The statement discusses the government's response to the Independent Sentencing Review, focusing on prison expansion, sentencing reforms, and measures to reduce reoffending.
Action requested
The government accepts in principle the recommendation of an earned progression model for sentences, increases funding for probation services, standardizes recall periods, reduces short sentences, makes community punishments tougher, and implements various measures to better serve victims. The statement also announces a £4.7bn investment for prison building over the next decade.
Key facts
- Independent Sentencing Review was chaired by Rt Hon David Gauke.
- Government plans to build prisons adding up to 14,000 places by 2031.
- Earned progression model will be adopted in principle.
- Probation service funding will increase by £700 million over the spending review period.
- Recall to prison capped at 56 days for non-compliance with conditions.
- Short sentences reduced, community sentences extended up to three years.
- Community punishment measures include tougher financial penalties and travel bans.
- Pilot of medication to manage problematic sexual arousal will be rolled out in two regions covering 20 prisons.
- Free sentencing transcripts provided to victims of rape and serious sexual offences.