£195k funding boost to protect victims affected by prisoner early release scheme

An additional £195,000 of funding has been secured to strengthen vital support services for victims impacted by the Government’s early release scheme in Leicestershire.

Police abd Crime Commisioner, Rupert Matthews, says the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) funding will deliver dedicated support and interventions within the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland PCC’s existing Victim First services to increase victim safety and provide emotional support to victims experiencing increased anxiety and fear in response to early release arrangements.

From 1 October 2026, a change to sentencing rules means some adults serving a standard prison sentence will be released earlier than the scheduled date to free up capacity and reduce prison overcrowding.

This means some prisoners will now leave prison after a third of their sentence, rather than 40% or 50%, with the remainder of the sentence being served on licence in the community under probation provision. A second group of eligible prisoners, currently released after two thirds of their sentence, will leave prison at the halfway point.

Importantly, this change will not apply to prisoners convicted of serious crimes such as rape, terrorism, unlawful killing, serious child sexual offences, and grooming.

The model is being implemented across ten tranches from October 2026 to June 2027.

Locally, the extra MoJ funding will be invested in a new online awareness and signposting campaign across the force area to inform affected victims about available support and to provide clear routes into local services.

A specialist worker will also be embedded within the existing Victim First service to act as a single point of contact for victims impacted by the new arrangements. The worker will provide information, safety planning, emotional support and practical guidance alongside referrals to specialist services.

Other resources will include therapeutic support provision to eligible victims experiencing distress in relation to the early release arrangements and the distribution of target hardening packs for victims assessed as needing additional security measures at their homes including victims of domestic abuse. The pack will contain a video doorbell, door brace, letterbox protector and window alarms.

Supporting Victims is a key mission in the PCC’s Police and Crime Plan, with the Commissioner committed to ensuring victims have access to the best possible care and support.

Among the commitments in his Plan is a promise to commission trauma informed services with input from those with lived experiences, and to ensure services are easily accessible by those in diverse communities. He has also vowed to ensure all professionals in contact with victims know how to refer to the support services he funds.

Welcoming the MoJ funding, Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews said:

“This additional funding to support victims affected by the early release of prisoners is of course welcome. I am pleased that the Government has recognised the emotional and psychological impact these decisions can have on people who have already suffered as a result of crime.

“Victims must be at the heart of every decision made within the criminal justice system. While I recognise the pressures facing the prison estate, the long-term solution is to create more prison capacity, not to release offenders early to make space for others. Too often, victims are left feeling that their needs and experiences are an afterthought.

“The safety, confidence and recovery of victims must remain paramount. It is vital that those affected by crime feel supported, informed and protected, and know where to turn when they need help. We will work closely with our partners to ensure this funding is invested where it can make the greatest difference to victims and communities.”