Clinks Policy Briefing | October 2026

This month, we launched a manifesto blog series highlighting key recommendations from our new voluntary sector-led manifesto for criminal justice reform. 

 Our first guest blog by Recoop elaborates on the Manifesto's recommendations around supporting older people in prison. We then published a guest blog by Revolving Doors, which argues for more effective partnership working between the voluntary sector and probation, followed by a guest blog by The Recruitment Junction, highlighting the need to fund Community Employment Brokers to help sustain long-term employment.  

We also published a blog examining prison overcrowding and early release through a family-focused lens, arguing that criminal justice policy should give greater consideration to the impact of imprisonment and release decisions on families, children and support networks, and highlighting the role of family relationships in supporting successful resettlement and rehabilitation. 

We published the first report from the Reducing Reoffending Third Sector Advisory Group (RR3) Special Interest Group (SIG) on the effective implementation of the Sentencing Act, covering resettlement. The report draws on sector expertise to set out practical recommendations for improving resettlement support.  

We also published the minutes of the discussions from the RR3 Quarterly meeting held in June 2026. Topics included the HMPPS rehabilitation strategy, race equity and the Sentencing Act, and the Progression Model and fixed-term recall. 

We published a blog following September’s Third Sector Strategic Partnership Board (TSSPB) meeting, outlining key topics of discussion, including how HMPPS can work more effectively with external funders to build capacity within the VCSE sector, the Partnership and Investment Working Group, the review of the Third Sector Partnership Approach, Civil Society Covenant, Jim Barton’s key priorities in his role as the Director General for Probation, VCSE non-funded partnership guidance and Clinks directory of services. 

Finally, following our evidence-gathering roundtable for the consultation on the independent statutory regulation of probation practitioners, we have now submitted our collective response.

Martin Jones reappointed as His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Probation 

On Tuesday 8 September, the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) and HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) announced the reappointment of Martin Jones as His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Probation. 

Intensive Supervision Courts Statistics: July 2023 to March 2026 

On Wednesday 9 September, the MoJ published information on the cohort of people sentenced as part of the Intensive Supervision Courts pilot between July 2023 and March 2026. 

MoJ: Check-In with your probation officer (E-Supervision) 

On Wednesday 9 September, the Cabinet Office, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and Government Digital Service announced that AWS Rekognition will be used within the Check-In with your probation officer service to support identity verification by performing facial comparison between user-submitted video and a photo held on file. 

MoJ: AICE Chatbot "Nova" 

On Wednesday 9 September, the Cabinet Office, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and Government Digital Service announced their FAQ Chatbot for MOJ/HMPPS Resourcing, "Nova." 

MoJ: PolyAI / Luna 

On Wednesday 9 September, the Cabinet Office, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and Government Digital Service announced that PolyAI will be used to provide an AI-powered conversational voice assistant that automates routine telephone interactions and supports users in accessing services more efficiently. 

The Crown Prosecution Service: Beam Notes 

On Wednesday 9 September, the Cabinet Office, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and Government Digital Service published information about Beam Notes, which is a digital solution designed to help prosecutors quickly and securely review video recorded evidence through transcription and summarisation of digitally recorded media. 

HMRC: Ask Security 

On Wednesday 9 September, the Cabinet Office, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and Government Digital Service published information about a generative AI chatbot for internal use to allow HMRC colleagues access to HMRC Security Policies, Standards and Guidance. 

Health Bill: impact assessments summary 

On Wednesday 9 September, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) published new impact assessments and implications of the new measures, where relevant, on economic growth, justice impacts, new burdens for local government, and competition and innovation. 

Health Bill: ICBs as strategic commissioners - equality impact assessment 

On Wednesday 9 September, the DHSC updated the Health Bill's equality impact assessment to include the assessment of transferring the responsibility for commissioning sexual assault and abuse services, as part of health and justice services, from NHS England to integrated care boards. 

Occupational Health and Employee Assistance Policy Framework 

On Thursday 10 September, the MoJ and HMPPS published a Policy Framework for all MoJ employees and managers, explaining Occupational Health and Employee Assistance Programme support, referrals, wellbeing, health at work and confidentiality. 

Youth Justice Board Annual Report and Accounts, 2025 to 2026 

On Thursday 10 September, the Youth Justice Board for England and Wales published a review of the Youth Justice Board’s work over the year, with performance data and financial information. 

Characteristics of children affected by household imprisonment 

On Thursday 10 September, the MoJ published descriptive statistics on a cohort of Welsh children aged 10 to 14 in 2011 and affected by household imprisonment between 2011 and 2014. 

Updated Estimates of Children with a Parent in Prison 

On Thursday 10 September, the MoJ published revised estimates of children with a parent in prison for the annual period October 2023 to October 2024 for England and Wales. 

Chief Coroner’s Annual Report 2025 

On Thursday 10 September, the MoJ published the Chief Coroner’s twelfth annual report to the Lord Chancellor. 

Community Accommodation Service Tier 2 (CAS-2) process evaluation 

On Thursday 10 September, the MoJ and HMPPS published a report presenting the findings of the process evaluation of the Community Accommodation Service Tier 2 (CAS-2). 

Workforce management information: MOJ 

On Thursday 10 September, the MoJ published provisional data for August 2026 on information on the Ministry of Justice, its agencies and executive non-departmental public bodies’ paybills. 

Guide to the police allocation formula 

On Thursday 10 September, the Home Office published an update to the guide to the police allocation formula as information was outdated. 

‘Box-ticking’ consultations scrapped to speed up delivery 

On Thursday 10 September, the Cabinet Office announced that the government will aim to get rid of 'box-ticking' consultations as part of a 'drive to accelerate decision-making and deliver real change at pace.' 

Tribunals statistics quarterly: April to June 2026 

On Thursday 10 September, the MoJ published statistics covering the type and volume of tribunal cases received, disposed of or outstanding, including statistics on the Gender Recognition Certificate applied for and granted by HMCTS Gender Recognition Panel. 

Public Procurement Review Service Referrals and Case Resolutions 

On Thursday 10 September, the Cabinet Office published Public Procurement Review Service results for the period between January 2018 to July 2026. 

Ministry of Justice: Better Outcomes through Linked Data (BOLD) 

On Thursday 10 September, the MoJ published a latest updates section to the Better Outcomes through Linked Data (BOLD) data-linking programme which aims to improve the connectedness of government data in England and Wales. 

HMPPS Unlocked Graduates Scheme - September 2026 release 

On Thursday 10 September, HMPPS published information relating to the retention outcomes for cohorts of participants in the Unlocked Graduates (UG) Scheme for Prison Officers. 

Standard of proof for the short-form inquest conclusion of unlawful killing 

On Monday 14 September, the MoJ published an open consultation which seeks views on whether it would be appropriate to consider changing the standard of proof for the short form inquest conclusion of unlawful killing from the civil to the criminal standard. 

£9.3 million funding boost for victims in Essex 

On Monday 14 September, the MoJ announced a £9.3 million funding boost to help victim-survivors of all types of crime including domestic abuse and sexual violence. 

Prison expansion in the North East 

On Monday 14 September, the MoJ announced that construction has now begun on 152 new prison places at HMP Kirklevington Grange near Yarm. 

Lancashire prison to gain 240 extra places 

On Monday 14 September, the MoJ announced that HMP Lancaster Farms capacity will be boosted by more than 40 per cent. 

The proceeds of crime in England and Wales 2023 to 2024 

On Tuesday 15 September, the Home Office published a report which estimates the proceeds of certain profit-driven crime in England and Wales in 2023 to 2024. 

Ad hoc report: Public awareness of money laundering in the UK 

On Tuesday 15 September, the Home Office published findings from a nationally representative survey, providing insight into public awareness and concern about money laundering. 

More officers to be recruited to address money laundering 

On Tuesday 15 September, HM Treasury and the Home Office announced that five hundred new officers to be recruited in a £500 million investment to tackle money laundering, as part of the government's Anti-Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Strategy. 

Domestic abuse related death review: leaflet for family members 

On Tuesday 15 September, the Home Office updated the leaflet to be used when the Community Safety Partnership or review chair meets relatives of someone involved in a domestic abuse related death. 

Domestic abuse related death reviews: statutory guidance 

On Tuesday 15 September, the Home Office updated the statutory guidance on conducting domestic abuse related death reviews. 

Domestic abuse: learning from tragedy and preventing future deaths 

On Tuesday 15 September, the Home Office announced the publication of new statutory guidance on domestic abuse related death reviews. 

Criminal justice system: data standards forum guidance 

On Tuesday 15 September, the MoJ published the CJS Index for September 2026.  

Justice Transcribe 

On Wednesday 16 September, the MoJ and HMPPS published Justice Transcribe data for 7 October 2025 to 14 September 2026. 

Charity Commission monthly workforce management information: 2026 to 2027 

On Wednesday 16 September, the Charity Commission published workforce data for August 2026.  

Police Superintendents' Association 2026 Conference 

On Wednesday 16 September, the Home Office published the Conference Speech by the Minister for Crime and Policing Sarah Jones. 

Freedom of Information statistics: April to June 2026 

On Wednesday 16 September, the Cabinet Office published Freedom of Information statistics for central government bodies from April to June 2026. 

Ministers bring together leaders to rewire youth crime prevention 

On Thursday 17 September, the MoJ announced that Youth Justice Minister Jake Richards convened a roundtable alongside Children and Families Minister Josh MacAlister and Policing and Crime Minister Sarah Jones, exploring how services can work better together to identify children at risk earlier and where giving local and regional leaders greater freedom could help prevent offending and protect victims. 

YJB business plan, 2026 to 2027 

On Thursday 17 September, the Youth Justice Board for England and Wales published their business plan for 2026 to 2027.  

Government expands efforts on tackling knife crime 

On Friday 18 September, the Home Office announced that they have reduced knife robberies by almost a quarter in 7 forces since June 2024. 

Consultation on the future use of overall one-word ratings  

On Monday 21 September, HM Inspectorate of Probation published a consultation seeking views on whether it should continue using overall one-word ratings in probation, youth justice, approved premises and Serious Further Offence inspection reporting. 

Frontline services to receive funding to prevent violence against women and girls 

On Monday 21 September, the Cabinet Office and UK Research and Innovation announced £14 million in funding to support and evaluate local initiatives aimed at preventing violence against women and girls, including projects addressing online abuse, harmful behaviours among young people, and violence in public spaces. 

Specialist rape courts rolled out across the country 

On Monday 21 September, the MoJ announced the rollout of specialist rape and serious sexual offence courtrooms across every Crown Court in England and Wales, alongside measures to prioritise rape cases, improve support for victims, and provide trauma-informed training for court staff. 

Feeling unsafe inevitable for many children in youth custody, as poor standards persist 

On Tuesday 22 September, HM Inspectorate of Prisons published the latest review of survey responses from children in custody, finding that standards across the youth estate remain generally poor. 

Temporary Presumptive Re-categorisation Scheme guidance 

On Tuesday 23 September, HMPPS and the MoJ updated guidance on the Temporary Presumptive Re-categorisation Scheme (TPRS36), which sets out the eligibility criteria, exclusions and operational process for moving eligible people under Category C to open conditions up to 36 months before their conditional release date to maximise capacity across the prison estate. 

National findings: Dynamic Inspection of Public Protection in the Probation Service 

On Thursday 24 September, HM Inspectorate of Probation published the findings of their dynamic inspection of public protection in the probation service.  

Criminal court statistics quarterly: April to June 2026 

On Thursday 24 September, the MoJ published statistics on the type and volume of cases received and processed through the criminal court system of England and Wales, including statistics on case timeliness. 

Family Court Statistics Quarterly: April to June 2026 

On Thursday 24 September, the MoJ published statistics on the volume of cases dealt with by family courts over time, with statistics also broken down for the main types of case involved. 

AI action plan for justice: one year on 

On Thursday 24 September, the MoJ published an update on the first year of progress against the AI Action Plan for Justice and priorities for the year ahead. 

Ministry of Justice spend control data: April 2026 to June 2026 

On Thursday 24 September, the MoJ published data for April 2026 to June 2026 covering centrally approved new spending on property, advertising, consultancy, technology and recruitment. 

Effective Practice Spotlight: National findings – Dynamic Inspection of Public Protection in the Probation Service 

On Thursday 24 September, HM Inspectorate of Probation published an effective practice spotlight report bringing together examples of strong public protection practice identified through its Dynamic Inspection of Public Protection programme 

Statutory Guidance: Core probation roles and qualification requirements 

On Thursday 24 September, the MoJ published updated Statutory Guidance covering core probation roles and qualification requirements. 

YJB responds to children in custody report, 2025 to 2026 

On Friday 25 September, the Youth Justice Board for England and Wales published a response to HM Inspectorate of Prisons' review of children’s experiences in custody, arguing that the current youth secure estate is not fit for purpose and calling for a shift towards smaller, child-centred and evidence-based alternatives to custody. 

CPS to give every domestic abuse victim a dedicated liaison officer nationwide 

On Sunday 27 September, the Attorney General's Office published a press release announcing the nationwide rollout of the Crown Prosecution Service Victim Transformation Programme, making dedicated victim liaison officers available to all domestic abuse victims and survivors across England and Wales and introducing greater choice over how victims are contacted by the CPS. 

New measures to tackle prison drones, drugs and boost employment 

On Monday 28 September, the MoJ announced their plans tackle prison drones and drug use, and help people into work and stable accommodation. 

UK National Statement at United Nations Crime Congress 

On Monday 28 September, the MoJ published a speech by Alex Davies-Jones MP delivered at the United Nations Crime Congress, setting out the UK’s international priorities on tackling organised crime, fraud, violence against women and girls, and technology-enabled offending, alongside commitments to strengthen criminal justice cooperation and support justice system reform globally. 

MOJ small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) and VCSE action plan: 2025 to 2028 

On Tuesday 29 September, the MoJ updated a policy paper setting out its SME and VCSE Action Plan for 2025–2028. 

Electronic monitoring in practice: Early Report Briefing from HM Inspectorate of Probation and HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services 

On Tuesday 29 September, HM Inspectorate of Probation and HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services published an early briefing, setting out key findings from their thematic criminal justice joint inspection. 

Crime and Policing Act 2026: equality impact assessments 

On Tuesday 29 September, the Home Office and MoJ published Equality impact assessments relating to the Crime and Policing Act 2026. 

Government strengthens firearms licensing safeguards 

On Tuesday 29 September, the Home Office announced that new licensing safeguards will 'strengthen public safety and help police assess risks.' 

£16m legal lifeline for families facing eviction and hardship 

On Wednesday 30 September, the MoJ announced a £16 million Legal Support Grant to fund frontline organisations across England and Wales to provide free legal support for people facing issues including eviction, debt, welfare disputes and family breakdown. 

£4.4 million of vital funding for victims in Cambridgeshire 

On Wednesday 30 September, the MoJ announced £4.4 million in funding for victim support services in Cambridgeshire over the next two years, including specialist support for victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence, mentoring, counselling and victim advocacy services. 

A guide for victims about the changes to prison release arrangements 

On Thursday 1 October, the MoJ updated guidance explaining changes to prison release arrangements under the Sentencing Act 2026. 

Licence conditions policy framework 

On Thursday 1 October, the MoJ updated the framework and Annex A for the policy which sets out actions for prison and probation staff in the application of the different types of licence conditions where releasing and/or managing individuals on licence. 

Stop and search, arrests, and mental health detentions, March 2026 

On Thursday 1 October, the Home Office published statistics on stop and search, arrests for notifiable offences, including statistics on detentions under Section 135 and Section 136 of the Mental Health Act previously included in the Other PACE powers statistics publication. 

Probation Court Services Policy Framework 

On Thursday 1 October, HMPPS and the MoJ updated their guidance setting out the Probation Court Services Policy Framework for probation staff undertaking court-related functions.  

Probation Professional Register policy framework 

On Thursday 1 October, HMPPS and the MoJ updated their guidance on the Probation Professional Register, which sets out requirements for professional registration, probation professional standards, and processes relating to loss of authority to practise for qualified probation staff. The update revised the policy framework document. 

New, tougher restrictions imposed on people on licence 

On Thursday 1 October, the MoJ announced that people leaving prison from 1 October 2026 will be monitored far more closely as new powers to restrict their movements come into force. 

Supporting vaccination of people experiencing homelessness 

On Thursday 1 October, the UK Health Security Agency published guidance setting out a multi-agency toolkit to support the planning, commissioning and delivery of vaccination services for people experiencing homelessness. 

Vaccination resources for people experiencing homelessness (PEH) 

On Thursday 1 October, the UK Health Security Agency published guidance providing posters, leaflets and pocket guides to promote uptake of flu and pneumococcal vaccinations among people experiencing homelessness in England. 

Accommodation outcomes, update to March 2026 

On Thursday 1 October, the MoJ updated its official statistics on accommodation outcomes for people on probation following release from custody or completion of a community sentence.  

Independent Restraint Review Panel (IRRP): summary report 2025 

On Thursday 1 October, HMPPS updated a policy paper on the work of the Independent Restraint Review Panel (IRRP), adding a letter from Minister Richards responding to the panel's 2025 findings and recommendations on the use of restraint in the youth secure estate. 

Interception, monitoring and security of people in prisons' communications policy framework 

On Thursday 1 October, HMPPS and the MoJ updated their guidance on the interception, monitoring and security of communications for people in prison. 

Courts and Tribunals Bill 

On Sunday 4 October, the MoJ and HM Courts & Tribunals Service updated the policy paper on the Courts and Tribunals Bill, adding an impacts factsheet as an appendix. 

Justice reforms to be rolled out faster as Justice Secretary sets out changes to Courts Bill 

On Sunday 4 October, the MoJ announced plans to support victims getting faster and fairer justice under changes to court reforms. 

Criminal Justice Anti-Racism Action Plan for Wales Annual Report 2025 to 2026 

On Monday 5 October, HMPPS published an annual report outlining progress on the anti-racism plan in the Welsh criminal justice system, highlighting actions, challenges, and commitment to change by 2030. 

Criminal Justice Board for Wales annual report 2025 to 26 

On Monday 5 October, HMPPS published progress on the collective efforts of organisations working together to improve outcomes for individuals, communities and those in, or at risk of entering, the criminal justice system. 

People who commit domestic abuse to be 'marked and tracked ' in attempt too boost to victims’ safety 

On Monday 5 October, the MoJ announced the implementation of new measures requiring courts to formally record when domestic abuse was a factor in offending. The new judicial finding of domestic abuse will be shared across police, prison and probation systems to improve the identification, monitoring and management of domestic abuse perpetrators. 

New contracts to improve language services across courts and tribunals 

On Monday 5 October, the MoJ and HM Courts & Tribunals Service announced the introduction of new language services contracts across courts and tribunals, covering spoken language interpreting, British Sign Language (BSL), visual and tactile communication services, and independent quality assurance. 

Domestic abuse policy framework 

On Monday 5 October, HMPPS and the MoJ updated their guidance on working with people whose convictions or behaviours involve domestic abuse.  

Live facial recognition: equality impact assessment (EIA) 

On Monday 5 October, the Home Office and Immigration Enforcement updated a policy paper containing an equality impact assessment of the use of live facial recognition technology. The assessment examines the implications of the technology and its compliance with equality duties under the Equality Act. 

Lord Timpson - former Minister of State for Prisons, Probation and Reducing Reoffending, Ministry of Justice - advice under the government’s Business Appointment Rules 

On Monday 5 October, the Independent Adviser on Ministerial Standards published a decision setting out advice provided to Lord Timpson OBE DL regarding appointments taken up after leaving ministerial office, covering his roles as Chief Executive Officer of Timpson Limited and trustee of the Alex Timpson Trust under the Government’s Business Appointment Rules. 

Announcements from the Criminal Procedure Rule Committee 

On Monday 5 October, the Criminal Procedure Rule Committee and the MoJ updated their guidance on developments relating to the Criminal Procedure Rules, adding an October 2026 update confirming that the main changes introduced by the Criminal Procedure (Amendment) (No. 2) Rules 2026 came into force on 5 October 2026. 

DBS checks guidance for employers, voluntary organisations and third parties 

On Monday 5 October, the Disclosure and Barring Service and the Home Office updated their guidance for employers, voluntary organisations and third parties on DBS checks, covering eligibility, application processes, registration requirements, and the use of criminal record information. The update revised the fees charged for DBS checks in line with the October 2026 fee changes. 

YJB responds to CJB Wales Annual Report and Anti-Racism Report 

On Monday 5 October, the Youth Justice Board for England and Wales announced their response to the publication of the Criminal Justice Board Wales Annual Report and Anti-Racism Report, welcoming progress on reoffending, victim support, prevention and early intervention, and anti-racism, while reaffirming the YJB’s commitment to reducing disparities in the youth justice system. 

Courts and Tribunals Bill Response from the Ministry of Justice to the Justice Select Committee 

On Monday 5 October, the MoJ published its response to the Justice Select Committee’s report on the Courts and Tribunals Bill, defending most of the proposed reforms while confirming that plans for a Crown Court Bench Division and wider judge-only trials have been removed following parliamentary scrutiny. 

Justice in Numbers Summary Tables and Pocketbook 

On Tuesday 6 October, the MoJ published the latest information presented in Justice in Numbers. 

Transcript pilot for victims of rape and sexual offences 

On Tuesday 6 October, the MoJ published guidance summarising the operation and outcomes of a pilot that provided free sentencing remarks transcripts to victims of rape and sexual offences in England and Wales. 

Antisocial behaviour powers 

On Tuesday 6 October, the Home Office updated its statutory guidance on the antisocial behaviour powers available to the police, local authorities and other agencies under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, adding new guidance, which comes into force on 26 October 2026, including information on respect orders, youth injunctions and housing injunctions. 

Prison service instructions (PSIs) 

On Tuesday 6 October, HMPPS and the MoJ updated their guidance on Prison Service Instructions (PSIs), with the update consisting of changes to the PSI Index, which provides details of current, cancelled, updated and replaced prison service instructions. 

Prison service orders (PSOs) 

On Tuesday 6 October, HMPPS and the MoJ updated their guidance on Prison Service Orders (PSOs), with the update consisting of changes to the PSO Index, which provides details of current, cancelled, updated and replaced prison service orders. 

Probation instructions (PIs) 

On Tuesday 6 October, HMPPS and the MoJ updated their guidance on Probation Instructions (PIs), with the update consisting of changes to the PI Index, which provides details of current, cancelled, updated and replaced probation instructions. 

New Senior Judicial Commissioner appointed to the Judicial Appointments Commission 

On Tuesday 6 October, the MoJ and the Judicial Appointments Commission announced the appointment of The Honourable Mrs Justice Morgan DBE as a Senior Judicial Commissioner of the Judicial Appointments Commission for a three-year term commencing on 1 October 2026. 

New prison in Lancashire 

On Wednesday 7 October, the MoJ and HM Courts and Tribunals Service published an open consultation on the submission of the Reserved Matters Application (RMA) to consider appearance, layout and scale in more detail. 

Consultation on our inspection of the Probation Service 

On Wednesday 7 October, HM Inspectorate of Probation published the findings from its consultation setting out changes to its future inspection approach for probation services, including new inspection standards focused on sentence management, relational practice, strengths-based approaches and community safety. 

Public health in prisons and secure settings 

On Wednesday 7 October, the UK Health Security Agency published guidance on Sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing in prisons. 

Safeguarding and protecting people for charities and trustees 

On Thursday 8 October, the Charity Commission published an update to reflect the changes to some DBS checks introduced in 2026 and the relevant requirements of the Online Safety Act 2023. 

Linking police and sexual violence support service victim data 

On Thursday 8 October, the MoJ published a report linking data from 2 of the 3 rape crisis centres in the Synergy Essex Partnership. 

Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and peer-led interventions for victims of crime 

On Thursday 8 October, the MoJ published externally commissioned rapid evidence assessments which synthesise existing research on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and peer-led support as key interventions for victims of crime. 

Prisons and their resettlement providers 

On Thursday 8 October, the HMPPS published an update for October 2026 on prisons and their resettlement providers. 

Hate crime, England and Wales, year ending March 2026 

On Thursday 8 October, the Home Office published statistics on hate crimes recorded by the police. 

Retailers challenged to strengthen action on marketing of knives 

On Thursday 8 October, the Home Office announced that businesses have been 'warned to stop using combat and violence to market knives, and ensure dangerous weapons are not displayed where they can be easily accessed.' 

Youth custody data 

On Friday 9 October, HMPPS and the Youth Custody Service published monthly statistics on the population in custody of children and young people within the secure estate for August 2026.  

Kent prison to gain nearly 250 extra places 

On Friday 9 October, the MoJ announced the completion of a new houseblock at HMP Elmley in Kent, creating 247 additional prison places as part of the Government’s prison expansion programme. 

Independent review into mental health conditions, ADHD and autism: final report 

On Friday 9 October, DHSC published their final report detailing the findings of the independent review into the prevalence and support for mental health conditions, ADHD and autism. 

Government response to the Independent Review of the Criminal Courts 

On Monday 12 October, the MoJ published the government's response to the Independent Review of the Criminal Courts, alongside an accompanying statement in the House of Commons. 

How evidence is building a better youth justice system 

On Monday 12 October, the Youth Justice Board for England and Wales published a blog by Steph Roberts-Bibby, Chief Executive of the Youth Justice Board, on the Child First decision-making framework. 

FOI responses published by the Youth Justice Board: August and September 2026 

On Monday 12 October, the Youth Justice Board for England and Wales published Freedom of Information (FOI) responses they have made in August and September  2026. 

Trials across the country to be accelerated 

On Monday 12 October, the MoJ announced that ‘Short Trial Courts’ will now be rolled out nationwide to cut the Crown Court backlog. 

Remote hearings to unlock capacity and speed up justice for victims 

On Monday 12 October, the MoJ announced that victims will see cases heard sooner under a new pilot that could transform court capacity by allowing cases to be heard by judges hundreds of miles away. 

Bus lanes to help stop traffic derailing court cases 

On Monday 12 October, HMPPS and the MoJ announced that victims will get faster justice under a new Government plan to reduce prisoner transport delays to help keep court cases moving.  

Technology to bolster justice for victims as government responds to Leveson 

On Monday 12 October, the MoJ announced that victims will see fewer delays under plans for courts to trial the use of Virtual Remand Hearings, as part of a drive to deliver faster justice.