The Government’s Sentencing Review: Why me?’s response
This is a blog by our CEO, Sara Dowling.
The criminal justice system is currently in crisis. More and more people are being sent to prison, often on short sentences which are proven to cause further harm. In 2024 prison overcrowding became such a problem that an early release scheme was introduced where prisoners were released after serving 40% of their sentence, rather than the usual 50%. The Ministry of Justice declared that the numbers of people in prison brought the prison estate “dangerously close to total collapse”.
As a result of this crisis and to ensure that the UK is never in such a precarious position again, the Government launched a “comprehensive re-evaluation of our sentencing framework” in the form of an Independent Sentencing Review. Led by Former Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary, the Rt Hon David Gauke, this included a call for evidence, urging those working in and around the Criminal Justice System to input their views about the future of sentencing.
Why me? responded to this call for evidence, both independently and as a member of the Advisory Board for the All Party Parliamentary Group for Restorative Justice.
The sentencing framework has a key role to play in supporting delivery of an effective justice system. According to the Sentencing Council, there are 5 purposes of sentencing; Punish the offender, reduce crime, reform and rehabilitate offenders, protect the public and make the offender give something back.
However, many of the purposes of sentencing are not currently being met. Victims of crime are unsatisfied by the justice system; reoffending is high and our prisons are overcrowded.
In our response, we argued that Restorative Justice can help meet all of these key purposes in a variety of ways, and therefore should be a crucial part of the reform of the prison system, and a move towards a fairer, more effective sentencing framework.
“Restorative Justice can help meet the core principles of this review; it will relieve the pressure on prison places, it is proven to reduce recidivism, offers value for money, and supports victims recovery and healing.”
In our submission, we:
- argued that a different approach is needed to improve outcomes for both victims of crime and people who commit crimes
- supported a move away from short harmful prison sentences
- called for the full integration of Restorative Justice into the sentencing framework, to ensure that people who have committed crimes are supported to change their behaviour, and victims of crime get the answers they need.
The response covers a range of topics, from sentencing trends, history of sentencing to community vs custodial options. The potential for Restorative Justice to help is a thread that is maintained throughout. You can read our full response here.
At Why me?, we believe there is a smarter way to achieve a fairer, compassionate and more effective justice system – one that supports victims, reduces reoffending and helps people lead fulfilling lives, as well as saving money. We look forward to continued engagement with the Review to change this so that more people benefit from the transformative and life changing power of Restorative Justice.
“By embedding Restorative Justice both alongside existing sentences and as an alternative for lower-level offences, we can reduce reoffending and help reintegrate people back into their communities.”