23 September 2021
An inquiry into Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) sentences has been launched by a parliamentary committee
The sentences, which are of indeterminate length, were abolished in 2012 after heavy criticism. However, there are still more than 1,700 people in prison serving an IPP sentence without a release date, 96% of whom have completed their minimum term. More than 500 people have been held in prison for more than ten years longer than their minimum sentence.
Once released, those serving an IPP sentence are subject to an indefinite licence and can be recalled for minor breaches, such as missed appointments.
Once released, those serving an IPP sentence are subject to an indefinite licence and can be recalled for minor breaches, such as missed appointments.
The Justice Committee inquiry will explore legislative and policy options for reducing the number of IPP prisoners, and is seeking evidence by 26 October on their experiences and on the barriers preventing release, reasons for recall and support made available.
Justice Committee chair Sir Robert Neill said: ‘The large numbers of people being recalled to prison under IPP suggests there is no end in sight to the problems created by this flawed sentence.’
