Overview

This bill amends the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 to prevent sentencing guidelines from considering an offender's personal characteristics when determining the need for a pre-sentence report. This aims to ensure fairness and consistency in sentencing.

Description

The Sentencing Guidelines (Pre-sentence Reports) Bill modifies Section 120 of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009. Specifically, it adds a clause prohibiting sentencing guidelines from considering an offender's personal characteristics when deciding whether a pre-sentence report is necessary. The bill defines "personal characteristics" to include race, religion or belief, and cultural background. The definition of "pre-sentence report" mirrors that in the Sentencing Code. The bill applies only to England and Wales and comes into effect the day after it is passed.

Government Spending

The bill is not expected to have a significant direct impact on government spending. The changes relate to the guidelines used in sentencing and not to the overall budget allocation for the justice system.

Groups Affected

• Judges and Magistrates: Will be directly affected by the new guidelines, impacting their decision-making process regarding pre-sentence reports.
• Offenders: The bill aims to ensure consistent application of sentencing guidelines regardless of personal characteristics, potentially impacting the fairness and equality of sentencing.
• Probation Services: May see changes in the number of pre-sentence reports they are required to produce, depending on how the guidelines are implemented.

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