Two separate systems allow prisoners in England and Wales to leave custody before the end of their sentence: Release on Temporary Licence (ROTL), a short, revocable release used mainly to prepare for resettlement, and a set of automatic early release schemes that bring forward a prisoner’s actual release date. Both have seen significant change, and a good deal of political and media attention, over the last two to three years.
Follow the links below to find out more:
- ROTL, Release on Temporary Licence – what ROTL is, who qualifies, and how it works.
- Early Release Schemes – SDS40, the Sentencing Act 2026 and the “earned progression” model.
- ROTL & Early Release Policy Changes – what’s changed, and what’s only been promised or threatened.
- Press Coverage – how the row has played out in the media, and the latest news.