SDS40 emergency early-release scheme

2024–ongoing

Verified 21 May 2026 · Data dated 21 May 2026

Fresh · 1mo ago

Faced with England & Wales prisons running out of cells in 2024, the new Labour government legislated to release most standard-determinate-sentence prisoners after 40% (rather than 50%) of their term served. The change applies to eligible prisoners across the existing population and to new sentences.

Outcomes

First waves released in SeptemberâOctober 2024 freed several thousand cells. Critics â including the Howard League â argue the policy is necessary but doesn't address structural drivers of overcrowding.

Sources

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/over-1700-offenders-released-in-first-day-of-sds40

Last verified 21 May 2026. This is editorial; we hand-curate this section. Spotted an error? Submit a correction.