Sentencing Council consults on miscellaneous amendments to sentencing guidelines

The Sentencing Council is asking for feedback from practitioners on a series of proposed changes to sentencing guidelines. The changes would affect guidelines relevant in both the magistrates’ courts and the Crown Court. They are designed to bring greater clarity and consistency to sentencing and to reflect developments in legislation and case law.

The Council’s sixth annual consultation on miscellaneous amendments [link] proposes changes including new guidance on ancillary orders for domestic abuse protection orders and election disqualification orders, as well as changes to sentencing guidelines including:

• Use of a mobile phone while driving a goods vehicle

• Football-related offences

• Disorderly behaviour with intent to cause harassment, alarm or distress

• Imposition of community and custodial sentences

• Sentencing children and young people

• Criminal damage (other than by fire) value not exceeding £5,000 The consultation is open until 2 December 2026.

Notes to editors

1. The link to the consultation will go live at 00.01 Wednesday 9 September

2. Sentencing guidelines must be followed, unless the court is satisfied that it would be contrary to the interests of justice to do so in all the circumstances of a particular case.

3. The Sentencing Council was established by Parliament to be an independent body, but accountable to Parliament for its work, which is scrutinised by the Justice Committee. Justice Ministers are accountable to Parliament for the Sentencing Council’s effectiveness and efficiency, for its use of public funds and for protecting its independence.

4. Judicial Council members are appointed by the Lady Chief Justice with the agreement of the Lord Chancellor. Non-judicial council members are appointed by the Lord Chancellor with the agreement of the Lady Chief Justice. For more information, please contact the Sentencing Council Press Office at press.office@sentencingcouncil.gov.uk