Prisoners’ Early Release Scheme: what you need to know
If you're a survivor, you may have seen news about changes to prisoner release arrangements and be wondering what they mean for you.
From 1 October 2026, the Government is introducing changes to prison release arrangements, in England and Wales, under the Sentencing Act 2026, known as the Progression Model, to address prison overcrowding. Under these changes, many prisoners serving Standard Determinate Sentences will spend less time in custody and more time under supervision in the community. Releases are expected to be phased over multiple stages (“tranches”).
Importantly, following significant campaigning and pressure from survivors and the VAWG sector, the Government has excluded:
- rape
- serious child sexual offences
- grooming
- indecent assault
- unlawful killing
People serving life sentences or Extended Determinate Sentences are also not included.
If you’re worried
Even though rape and many sexual offences are now excluded, we understand that survivors may still experience:
- Anxiety about offender release generally.
- Confusion about whether the offender in their case is affected.
- Fear that perpetrators will be released sooner than expected.
- Distress triggered by media coverage of the changes.
- Re-traumatisation linked to memories of the original offence, investigation or court process.
- Concerns about personal safety and future contact with perpetrators.
Additionally, many perpetrators of domestic abuse, stalking, harassment, coercive and controlling behaviour may still be eligible for earlier release, depending on the type of sentence they received.
Support is available
Victim Support – Offender Release Helpline
0808 168 9280
Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm (excluding bank holidays)
The free helpline provides information, reassurance and support about offender release under the Progression Model.
SARSAS – Helpline, Live Chat, and Email support services
We are here to offer emotional support. You can find out how to contact us along with our opening hours here.
Whatever you are feeling, you deserve to be listened to, taken seriously and supported.
You can find more guidance and information about the prison release arrangement and progression model on the Government website, the Rape Crisis England & Wales website, and via the Victim Contact Scheme webpage.
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