Sentencing Act 2026
The primary legislation reforming release points for determinate sentences in England and Wales. Received Royal Assent on 22 January 2026. Key changes include moving standard SDS release from one-half to one-third, and SDS+ release from two-thirds to one-half.
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Commencement Date
The date when a law or specific provision of a law takes effect and begins to apply. This is different from Royal Assent (when a law is officially passed). A law can receive Royal Assent but not be "in force" until the Government announces a commencement date.
SDS+ Sentence
A more serious standard determinate sentence under section 244ZA of the Criminal Justice Act 2003. Release is currently at two-thirds, changing to one-half under the Sentencing Act 2026. Applies to certain violent and sexual offences listed in Schedule 15.
Standard Determinate Sentence
A fixed-term prison sentence with automatic release at a set point. Currently release is at 40% of the sentence, but under the Sentencing Act 2026 this will change to one-third for many cases. This is the most common type of prison sentence.