Report Summary
This report provides members of the Scottish Police Authority Policing Performance Committee with an overview of key areas of COSLA’s work of interest to the Committee. The update focuses on strategic developments and cross-COSLA activity that links to policing.
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Meeting
The publication discussed was referenced in the meeting below
Policing Performance Committee - 10 December 2024
Date : 10 December 2024
Location : online
Prisoners (Early Release) (Scotland) Bill
On the 18th November 2024, the Prisoner (Early Release) (Scotland) Bill was introduced to Scottish Parliament. The emergency legislation is one of several measures being taken to reduce pressure on prisons by considering changing how long people spend in prison custody as part of their sentence. If passed, it is expected that the Bill will be enacted in February 2025.
The Bill has further provisions to amend the point of release for long-term prisoners on non-parole licence, by secondary legislation. This is a reinstatement of a power which applied before the Prisoners (Control of Release) Act 2015 changed the release point to a fixed period of time - 6 months before the end of the prisoner’s sentence.
In advance of the announcement, COSLA officers had been working closely with Scottish Government and partners to consult on the drafting of the Bill and Financial Memorandum. The COSLA Community Wellbeing Spokesperson also met with the Cabinet Secretary to discuss the functions of the Bill and also to raise any potential impact on Local Government.
COSLA will continue to work in partnership to support with implementation of the Bill if it passes through the Scottish Parliament. We will also monitor any potential impact on Local Government and continue to work together in preparation for the proposed secondary legislation in respect of long-term prisoners.
