Offences Against the Person Act 1861 (Sentencing Guidelines) Bill

Key Points

• The Bill requires the Sentencing Council to publish sentencing guidelines specifically for sections 58 and 59 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861.
• The guidelines would apply to all sentencing decisions for those offences in England and Wales.
• It does not alter the offences themselves; it standardises sentencing to improve consistency and transparency.
• The Bill is currently at the second reading in the House of Commons; if it progresses, it would move to Committee stage for detailed scrutiny.

Progress

The bill is at the second reading in the Commons. If it advances, it will move to Committee stage for detailed examination before further readings.