Women in Prison Statement on Early Release (SDS40) Emergency Measures, September 2024

This week, we expect the first group of women to be released under the government’s early release plans to ease overcrowding in prisons.

Announced in July, the Lord Chancellor Shabana Mahmood MP set out plans to reduce time served in prison for those on Standard Determinate Sentences from 50% to 40%, with some exemptions (for example where offences relate to sexual violence).

These temporary measures are coming into effect from 10th September and we understand that, for women, this means approximately 1,300 will be released earlier than expected between September 2024 and January 2025.

We have made a series of recommendations to officials to ensure women have access to the right support, including:

• ensuring pre-release support;
• services and support specifically designed to meet women’s needs, including safe and suitable housing;
• flexibility in the system to prevent recall to prison;
• and investing in community hubs local to women.

Sonya Ruparel, Women in Prison’s CEO, has made a statement in response to the plans, and their impact on women and our services in the community.

"We have welcomed the Government’s plans to reduce time served in prison from 50% to 40%, because women belong in our communities. Prison is not a safe place or appropriate response for women, who are largely there for non-violent offences.

Whilst we welcome the release of women from prison, what is crucial now is that women have access to local, gender-specific support so they can remain in their communities.

Our women’s centres, hubs and services are safe spaces for women to access a range of support including for mental health, domestic abuse, substance misuse and housing. We are ready to work with women who will be released from this week under the SDS40 plans.

In the longer-term we urge the Government to move away from emergency measures and to introduce a strategic, sustainable plan to reduce the women’s prison population and the harm of the criminal justice system on women’s lives, families and communities."

ENDS

Notes to editors

Women in Prison (WIP) is a national charity that delivers support for women affected by the criminal justice system in prisons, in the community and through our Women's Centres. We campaign to end the harm caused to women, their families and our communities by imprisonment

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