Approximately 700 prisoners in England and Wales are set to be released on October 1 under a revised early release plan. By the end of the year, around 2,550 offenders are expected to be freed, with the government adjusting the timeline for eligibility. The changes come as prisons face high occupancy rates, currently at 97%.
The revised plan allows for earlier releases for offenders serving shorter sentences, while those with longer sentences will also see adjustments in their release timelines. The government aims to address prison overcrowding while ensuring that victims have a voice in the process.