Pact responds to latest announcement on Sentencing Act

On 3 August 2026 Government confirmed that the sentencing changes outlined in the Sentencing Act will go ahead, with a few changes: a delayed start date from September to October, certain offences barred, and "tougher community supervision."

Pact CEO Andy Keen-Downs CBE responded, 

"It's welcome that the Government has now provided clarity on how these reforms will work, and it is right that the views and concerns of victims and their families are being properly considered. 

"But the prison overcrowding crisis will not be solved through tougher licence conditions. Last week's recall figures showed that more people are now being sent back to prison than are leaving it, largely because of technical licence breaches rather than new offences.

"Effective supervision of people on probation is important, but if we want fewer victims and safer communities, we also need properly funded support that helps people build stable, crime-free lives after release."