Burnham Pauses 1-Third Prison Release Plan as Recalls Jump 28%
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 30
Burnham Pauses 1-Third Prison Release Plan as Recalls Jump 28%
3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 30
Summary
51,419 licence recalls were recorded in England and Wales in the year to March 2026, up 28% from 40,259, as the new government halted a further early-release expansion.
2,891 recalls in January-March involved offenders facing further charges, up 23% year on year, but the most common triggers were licence breaches such as non-compliance and failing to keep in touch.
70,066 prisoners had already been freed under the 2024 scheme allowing release after 40% of a sentence, and officials say that wider use of early release has added pressure on probation and resettlement support.
Andy Burnham paused the Sentencing Act plan—due from Sept. 2 and expected to cover about 700 prisoners in its first phase—after criticism from survivors and victims' families.
86,267 people were still in prison on July 27, leaving the estate 97% full, while ministers aim to add 14,000 places by 2031 and projections put the population near 90,000 in 2028.