Sentencing Council Bill 2015

Public bill · Private Member · Introduced

The proposal would establish an independent 14-member Sentencing Council, with eight judges and six non-judicial members, to create and publish guidance on sentences for criminal offences. Courts would generally follow that guidance unless doing so would be against the interests of justice, while the Council would consult publicly, review its guidelines, report annually and assess how government policies might affect prison, probation and youth-justice resources. Its aim is to reduce differences in sentences for similar offences while preserving judges’ independence and improving public understanding.

Formal long title

Bill entitled an Act to establish a Sentencing Council and to provide for related matters

Last updated 12 April 2018