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 on the Victim Support Offender Release Helpline page.
Additional support
Additional support is also available from local support services:
Multi Crime Support – South Yorkshire Victim Support
Phone: 0300 303 1976 (Mon – Fri: 9am – 6pm)
Support line: 08 08 16 89 111 (available outside of these hours)
Email us: You can email the team at southyorkshire@victimsupport.org.uk.
Go online: Our free live chat support service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Barnsley Domestic Abuse Support – Independent Domestic Abuse Service (IDAS)
Phone: 03000 110 110 (Mon-Fri 8am – 6pm and Sat, Sun and Bank Holidays 11am – 8pm)
Online: Live chat facility (available every day between 1pm and 6pm).
Doncaster Domestic Abuse Support
Phone: 01302 737080
Email: You can email the team at dahub@doncaster.gov.uk.
Go online: Complete the online self-referral form.
Rotherham Domestic Abuse Support – HOPIAN
Ring our Advice Line: 0330 202 0571 (Mon-Fri: 9am – 5pm)
Email: Help@Hopian.org.uk
Online Advice and Support Form: Hopian.org.uk/help
Check out our WebBot: Hopian.org.uk
Sheffield Domestic Abuse Support – Independent Domestic Abuse Service (IDAS)
Phone: 0808 808 2241 (Mon-Fri 8am – 6pm and Sat, Sun and Bank Holidays 11am – 8pm)
Online: Live chat facility (available every day between 1pm and 6pm).
South Yorkshire Sexual Violence Partnership
Phone: 01226 320140
Online referral: South Yorkshire Independent Sexual Violence Service
