Overview

This bill amends the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, shortening the time a criminal record remains active for most offences. This means individuals convicted of certain crimes will have their criminal records considered spent after shorter periods, improving their chances of employment and social integration.

Description

The bill primarily alters the rehabilitation periods specified in the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Key changes include:

• Custodial Sentences: Shorter rehabilitation periods are introduced for various custodial sentences. For example, a custodial sentence of more than four years will now have a four-year rehabilitation period (previously longer), while sentences of up to two years will have a one-year period (previously longer).
• Other Sentences: The bill also adjusts the rehabilitation periods for other sentences such as compensation orders, community/youth rehabilitation orders, and removal from Her Majesty's service.
• Age of Offender: The bill provides differentiated rehabilitation periods based on the age of the offender at the time of conviction (adult vs. under 18).
• Exceptions: Certain sentences, including life imprisonment and sentences for public protection, remain excluded from rehabilitation.
• Road Traffic Endorsements: A related provision repeals an article in the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 concerning road traffic endorsements, impacting how these are handled.

Government Spending

The bill is not expected to significantly impact government spending. The changes relate to the length of time criminal records are held, not to direct funding or resource allocation.

Groups Affected

• Individuals with criminal records: This bill directly affects those with criminal records, potentially leading to an earlier removal of their records from disclosure, thus improving employment prospects and reducing stigma.
• Employers: Employers will have access to fewer criminal records for a wider range of offences after the prescribed rehabilitation period, potentially increasing the pool of eligible candidates for certain jobs.
• Criminal Justice System: The bill will change administrative procedures within the criminal justice system related to record-keeping and disclosure.

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