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The Conservative Party has announced plans to abolish the Sentencing Council, proposing to grant ministers the authority to issue guidance to courts in England and Wales.
Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick is expected to detail these proposals, which would place ministers in charge of sentencing policy, during a speech at the party’s conference.
Jenrick is anticipated to criticize the council as “not fit for purpose,” arguing that its guidelines have resulted in a “two-tier nightmare” marked by inconsistent treatment in the courts.
The announcement follows a public disagreement earlier this year between the Sentencing Council and the government concerning pre-sentence reports for offenders from specific minority groups.
In response to that dispute, the Labour government blocked updated guidance and initiated a review of the Sentencing Council’s role.
In September, the government announced intentions to amend the law, requiring explicit approval from the Justice Secretary for the Sentencing Council to issue new guidelines to courts in England and Wales.
The Sentencing Bill, currently under parliamentary review, would grant the Justice Secretary veto power over any new sentencing guidance.
Last month, then-Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated that sentencing policy “must be set by parliamentarians, who answer to the people”.
The Conservatives are advocating for a more extensive change, seeking to eliminate the Sentencing Council altogether.
The Sentencing Council is a non-departmental public body responsible for providing guidance to courts in England and Wales.
In his address, Jenrick is expected to accuse the council of diluting sentences by recommending jail terms that fall short of the maximum penalties permitted by law.
“All too frequently the law is not applied equally,” Jenrick is expected to say.
“No more – every single person in this country must be treated exactly the same, regardless of their background.
“The public are sick of voting for tougher sentences and getting the opposite.”
The party states that a Conservative government would introduce new legislation to empower the Justice Secretary to issue sentencing guidelines.
Jenrick’s speech is scheduled for the third day of the party’s conference in Manchester, where the Conservatives have faced scrutiny regarding their declining poll numbers and the party’s strategic direction under Kemi Badenoch’s leadership.
Speaking to the BBC, Badenoch asserted that her approach to reforming the party would “pay off eventually,” and Jenrick, a former leadership contender, has voiced his support.
During a conference event on Monday, Jenrick stated that there was no leadership vacancy and that he did not anticipate one.
“My expectation is that Kemi will lead this party into the next general election,” Jenrick affirmed.
Ministers say the reforms are aimed at reducing reoffending and easing pressures on crowded prisons.
The barrister, who is also a former police commissioner, is tasked with reforming the embattled commission.
Cheryl Korbel say she was not able to look her daughter’s killer in the eye when he was jailed.
Rhianon Bragg, who was stalked by her ex-partner, felt “trapped” when he was released from prison.
Wiltshire PCC argues for tougher sentences
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