Government adjusts early release plan, aiming to free 2,500 inmates by year-end

A revised early-release framework, signed into law, sets the start date for eligible prisoners at 1 October, with an estimated 700 inmates exiting that morning and a cumulative total of about 2,500 by year-end. The schedule retains the original timetable but pushes it back a month and bars individuals convicted of rape, grooming and other child-sex offences from benefiting. Subsequent releases include 650 prisoners from 13 October, then additional groups spaced out through early 2027, covering sentences up to more than 12 years.

England and Wales prisons are operating at 97% capacity, leaving roughly 1,500 vacant spots, leading the Ministry of Justice to allocate £110 million to convert unused office, laundry and storage areas into cells. Justice Secretary Alex Norris emphasized that release does not mean unrestricted liberty and that victims will be consulted on any conditions imposed. The changes aim to alleviate overcrowding while addressing concerns from victims and the public.