Short-term prisoner release

Overview

We have changed the point at which some prisoners sentenced to less than 4 years in prison (short-term prisoners) are released.

From February 2025, some short-term prisoners can be released after serving 40% of their sentence instead of 50%.

The rule change does not include prisoners serving sentences:

• for sexual offences
• for domestic abuse offences

These prisoners will still need to serve 50% of their sentence before they can be released.

We are making these changes to sustainably manage the prison population. This will help ensure prisons can focus on those who pose the greatest risk of harm, and support rehabilitation to reduce reoffending.

We are working with victim support organisations to make sure victims can access information and support.