End of Custody Licence
The End of Custody Licence (ECL) was introduced in June 2007 to help deal with prison overcrowding. Eligible prisoners may be released up to 18 days before their release date, but can be recalled if they misbehave. Some prisoners are disqualified, including those convicted of certain violent offences. Since its introduction, over 36,000 prisoners have been released early under ECL. The Government have said that they intend the scheme to be a temporary one. The Conservatives have pledged to abolish the scheme, and the Liberal Democrats have also criticised it.
The End of Custody Licence (ECL) was introduced in June 2007 to help deal with prison overcrowding. Eligible prisoners may be released up to 18 days before their release date, but can be recalled if they misbehave. Some prisoners are disqualified, including those convicted of certain violent offences. Since its introduction, over 36,000 prisoners have been released early under ECL. The Government have said that they intend the scheme to be a temporary one. The Conservatives have pledged to abolish the scheme, and the Liberal Democrats have also criticised it.