The United Kingdom (UK) has announced tough new sentencing powers under its Plan for Change. Criminals could now face bans from pubs, concerts, and sports matches.
Judges will soon restrict offenders’ freedoms through travel bans, driving limits, and confinement zones. The UK government said these measures will strengthen community punishments, deter reoffending, and keep offenders on the right path.
Offenders leaving prison and supervised by the Probation Service will also face strict curbs. The plan expands mandatory drug testing to include all offenders, not only those with known drug habits.
Breaking these rules will carry severe consequences. Courts could return offenders or send them back to prison, depending on their sentence.
Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the UK new sentencing powers aim to cut crime and protect the public.
“When criminals break society’s rules, they must be punished. Those serving sentences in the community will face freedom restrictions there, too,” Mahmood said.
She added that these changes prove crime does not pay, stressing the government’s duty to keep Britain safe.
Currently, judges can issue football bans for crimes committed in stadiums. Soon, such bans will apply to any offence, anywhere.
The reforms form part of wider sentencing changes. The government plans to ensure prisons never run out of space for dangerous offenders.
Since July 2024, over 2,400 new prison places have opened, with £7 billion committed to creating 14,000 more.
Probation Services will also receive a major funding boost. By 2028/29, its budget will rise by £700 million from today’s £1.6 billion.
Probation staffing has already increased. Officer numbers grew by 7% in the past year, while trainee intake rose by 15%. Recruitment of 1,300 more probation officers is planned this year.
The UK government will also deploy artificial intelligence to reduce administrative burdens. This will allow probation staff to focus on monitoring dangerous offenders and improving public safety.
