£195,000 'Surge Fund' to Support Kent Victims of Early Prisoner Releases

Kent Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Scott has revealed plans for £195,000 of funding to support victims affected by the early release of prisoners under the new Sentencing Act - including a dedicated Victims' Champion role and access to a national helpline that's been live since 1 October.

The Sentencing Act 2026 came into force on 2 September, allowing some prisoners to be released early into the community under intensive supervision, in order to ease the pressure on overcrowded prisons. The Ministry of Justice has allocated £18.9 million nationally to Police and Crime Commissioners through its Surge Uplift Funding to support victims affected by the change, and Kent's PCC has been awarded £195,000 of that as a result. Matthew Scott said: "Prisoners being re-released back into local communities places an enormous strain on services, particularly those in place to help victims who may be feeling anxious and uneasy over the move and what it could mean for them. While I'd rather offenders served their set sentences in prison, I am pleased that the MoJ has awarded this money so we can continue supporting victims."

Part of the funding will create an Early Offender Release Victims' Champion Scheme, a new role sitting within the Kent Victims Advocacy and Support Service delivered by Victim Support. The Champion will hold a caseload of victim-survivors affected by early release, providing advocacy, information, emotional support and practical assistance, and will liaise directly with the police, probation, courts and other criminal justice partners. The money will also fund updated safety messaging and, on a needs and risk basis, safety equipment such as window and door alarms and access to security apps, along with training for local service providers. "This point of contact will prove invaluable to the public," Scott said. "I am pleased we have been able to offer such a service which gives some reassurance during what can be an unsettling time for victims."

Anyone affected - including children and young people, who can access age-appropriate support through specialist practitioners - can contact the Offender Release Helpline on 0808 168 9280, or find out more via the Victim Support website. Queries can also be raised by email at kentsupport@victimsupport.org.uk, but referrals for support must be made through the helpline rather than by email. Source: Office of the Kent Police and Crime Commissioner