The guidelines say courts should always order a pre-sentence report when considering a prison term ‘unless it considers that it is unnecessary’.
New sentencing guidelines, written by the independent Sentencing Council and set to take effect in April, require courts to order pre-sentence reports when considering prison terms "unless it considers that it is unnecessary." The Conservative Party claimed Labour leader Keir Starmer supports the guidelines, which they allege would treat ethnic minority criminals more leniently. However, the guidelines were consulted on during the previous Conservative government, although the final wording differs. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood has requested the Sentencing Council reconsider the guidelines and may legislate to change the council's role. The Sentencing Council stated the guidelines aim to address disparities in sentencing outcomes and disadvantages faced within the criminal justice system.
