Should the government invest to replicate Greater Manchester's approach to reduce women's imprisonment?

The Prison Reform Trust report warns that women's prison numbers in England and Wales have stayed static despite nearly two decades of policy commitments. Greater Manchester's whole-system approach diverts women from custody through local leadership, specialist services and early intervention. The Sentencing Act 2026 introduced a presumption to suspend short custodial sentences, but sustained national investment and implementation are needed to deliver lasting reform.