Fewer women may be sent to jail after sentencing review launched

Fewer women could be sent to jail under a review to be announced by ministers this week that is expected to cut sentences for thousands of criminals.

- Rajeev Sval

The government will lay the groundwork for the task of reshaping the sentencing regime in England and Wales, with the aim for it to be completed within six months.

The review will examine options including scrapping short sentences, treating more offenders in the community and the impact of sentencing on people with caring responsibilities - areas of policy that disproportionately affect female offenders.

Ministers are also expected to confirm that David Gauke, a former Conservative justice minister, will oversee the review. Its proposals could be in place in courts by early 2026, sources said.

The government is preparing to release a further 1,100 prisoners under the SDS40 early-release scheme tomorrow amid growing concern over the criminal justice system.

It has also emerged that:

Internal data shows prisons are expected to be full again by the summer of 2025.

Ministers are examining measures to ease pressure on prisons to cover a period of at least nine months before the sentencing review's proposals can be introduced.