Statement on the revised Imposition of community and custodial sentences guideline

The Sentencing Council remains of the view that its guideline, Imposition of community and custodial sentences, as drafted is necessary and appropriate. The Lord Chancellor and the Chairman of the Sentencing Council met this morning. At that meeting, the Lord Chancellor indicated her intention to introduce legislation imminently that would have the effect of rendering the section on ‘cohorts’ in the guideline unlawful. The Lord Chancellor also shared details of that draft legislation as it is likely to be introduced. The Chairman indicated that the Council would not introduce a guideline when there is a draft Bill due for imminent introduction that would make it unlawful. On that basis, the Council, an independent statutory body, has chosen to delay the in force date of the guideline pending such legislation taking effect.