With the delayed early-release scheme now confirmed to start on 1 October 2026, the government has set out exactly who won’t qualify for it. Anyone convicted of rape, serious child sexual or grooming offences, manslaughter, or causing or allowing the death of a child will continue to serve their full custodial term under the existing rules, regardless of how the scheme affects everyone else.
For those who are released early, licence conditions will be tighter than under the current system. The government says supervision will now include a presumption of electronic tagging, exclusion-zone alerts if someone strays from an approved area, faster access for probation staff to monitoring data, and random drug testing – on top of the usual requirement to keep appointments and comply with any other conditions set.
Victims’ Commissioner Claire Waxman OBE welcomed the extra month before the scheme begins but said it “must be used” properly, calling on the Lord Chancellor to make sure victims get timely information, a proper risk assessment, and trauma-informed support before anyone is released – backed by an extra £10 million the government has committed to victim support services. For anyone serving a standard determinate sentence, or waiting to hear from someone who is, the exclusion list and licence conditions above are worth checking carefully once the final rules are published.