Sentencing (Reform) Bill

A Bill to reform sentencing provision to ensure that the length of a custodial sentence reflects the sentence of a court; and for connected purposes.

Originating House

House of Commons

Last Updated

1 May 2012

In Plain English

AI-generated

The Sentencing (Reform) Bill aims to reform the law on custodial sentences so that the length of a prison term more closely reflects the sentence handed down by the court. It also includes related reforms to other sentencing provisions as part of a broader reform package.

Key Points

Align custodial sentence lengths with the court’s sentence.
Reform connected sentencing provisions to form a coherent reform package.
Aims to improve clarity, consistency and fairness in how custodial terms are determined and administered.
Affects how judges, prosecutors, prisons and probation services operate in relation to custodial sentences.

Progress

The bill is currently at the 2nd Reading in the House of Commons. If it progresses, it would typically move to committee stage for detailed examination.

Who is affected?

Offenders who receive custodial sentencesVictims of crime and their familiesPrison and probation service staffJudges, magistrates and other sentencing professionalsDefence and prosecution lawyersThe wider community affected by sentencing outcomes

Generated 21 February 2026

Updates & Documents

News (1)

News - Sentencing (Reform)

1 Jan 1970

The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress.

Parliamentary Votes (0)

No recorded votes for this bill yet.

Sentencing (Reform) Bill | TrackPolitics