HMPPS has now published its second annual report on the IPP sentence, which details the action taken ‘to support those serving the IPP sentence in prison to work towards a safe release, and those in the community towards the termination of their licence’. 

As of 31st March 2025, there were 1,012 unreleased IPP prisoners, 1,532 recalled IPP prisoners and 1,376 people serving an IPP sentence in the community. On 31st December 2024, 233 people serving IPPs sentences were in secure hospitals – a figure almost identical to that of a decade earlier – 264.

In 2019, there were 619 IPP recalls – a figure broadly in line with previous years. However, the average time spent in prison following recall has increased, with IPP prisoners now spending an average of 25 months in prison. HMPPS state that they are ‘committed to ensuring a reduction in this number through increased focus on recall decisions and community support.’

Tragically, 90 prisoners serving an IPP sentence have now taken their own life, though this figure is likely to rise as several IPP prisoner deaths currently ‘remain unclassified’.

To read the full report, click here.