IPP Sentences Explained (UK)

Last reviewed: June 2026

Quick answer: An IPP sentence (Imprisonment for Public Protection) is an indeterminate sentence with no fixed end date. The court set a minimum term (the “tariff”) that had to be served before the prisoner could even be considered for release, but release after that point depends entirely on the Parole Board deciding the person is safe. IPP sentences were abolished for new cases in December 2012, but not retrospectively, so people sentenced before then are still serving them. As of December 2025, almost 2,400 people were still serving an IPP sentence, including around 924 who have never been released. Recent reforms have made it easier to end an IPP licence, and a resentencing campaign continues.

If a family member is serving an IPP sentence, the uncertainty can be the hardest part. There is no release date to count down to, and the path out depends on parole, progression and risk. This guide explains what IPP means, why it remains so controversial, and what has changed recently.

What is an IPP sentence?

Imprisonment for Public Protection was introduced by the Criminal Justice Act 2003 and began in 2005. It was designed for offenders considered dangerous but whose offences did not warrant a life sentence. Like a life sentence, an IPP has two parts: a minimum term (tariff) fixed by the judge, and an indeterminate period afterwards during which the prisoner can only be released if the Parole Board is satisfied the risk has reduced. Many tariffs were short — sometimes only two or three years — yet a significant number of people have remained in custody far beyond them.

Why were IPP sentences abolished?

IPP sentences were criticised as unfair and unpredictable. Prisoners struggled to access the courses and assessments they needed to demonstrate reduced risk, and many served years beyond their tariff. The sentence was abolished for new cases by the LASPO Act in December 2012. However, abolition was not retrospective, so everyone already serving an IPP continued to do so. This is the heart of the ongoing controversy: a sentence Parliament accepted was flawed is still being served by thousands of people.

The numbers in 2026

Measure	Position (latest available)
Still serving an IPP sentence	Almost 2,400 (December 2025)
Never released	Around 924
New IPP sentences since Dec 2012	None — abolished for new cases
Licence termination qualifying period	Reduced from 10 years to 3 years

Recent reforms

While the Government has not agreed to a full resentencing exercise, it has made changes aimed at helping people serving IPP sentences move on. Changes to licence termination have been phased in since November 2024, reducing the qualifying period for terminating an IPP licence from ten years to three years. This means that, once someone has been safely in the community for three years, their licence can be ended sooner, finally closing the sentence. An updated IPP action plan focuses on helping prisoners progress, including a policy framework and monitoring of engagement.

The resentencing debate

Campaigners, including the Prison Reform Trust and many in Parliament, argue that the only fair solution is a resentencing exercise for everyone still serving an IPP. A Private Member’s Bill brought by Lord Woodley to provide for resentencing has continued to be debated in the House of Lords. The Government has so far preferred the action-plan approach over mass resentencing, and the debate is ongoing as of 2026.

Common misunderstandings:

“IPP sentences were scrapped, so they no longer exist.” They were abolished for new cases in 2012 but not retrospectively, so thousands are still serving them.
“Once you pass your tariff you are released.” No — release after tariff depends entirely on the Parole Board being satisfied about risk.
“An IPP is the same as a life sentence.” They are similar in structure but distinct; IPP was meant for offences not serious enough for life.
“The licence lasts forever.” Since 2024 the qualifying period to end an IPP licence has been cut to three years in the community.

Frequently asked questions

Can an IPP prisoner ever be released?

Yes. After the tariff, the Parole Board can direct release if satisfied the risk is manageable in the community. Progression through lower-security conditions and completing relevant work can support this.

What happens if an IPP prisoner is recalled?

Because release is on an indeterminate licence, a person can be recalled and must again satisfy the Parole Board before re-release. This is one reason the licence termination reforms matter so much.

Is a resentencing exercise going to happen?

It remains under debate. As of 2026 the Government favours the action-plan approach, while campaigners continue to press for resentencing. Nothing is settled, so check current news for the latest.

Where can families get support?

The Prison Reform Trust runs advice resources, and our guide to the Parole Board explains how release decisions are made.

Official sources

For authoritative detail see the House of Commons Library briefing on IPP sentences, the GOV.UK IPP action plan, and the Prison Reform Trust.