COSLA  Community Wellbeing Spokesperson,  Cllr Maureen Chalmers, commented:

"COSLA notes the publication of the Sentencing and Penal Policy Commission’s recommendations today. We will take the necessary time to carefully consider the report with our Members and partners.

"Local Government has long called for a sustained shift away from custodial sentences towards community-based interventions, where it is appropriate and safe to do so for victims and the wider public. This includes advocating for the availability of, and sustained investment in, local trauma-informed services and interventions that support desistance from offending and enable rehabilitation, ultimately contributing to safer communities."

6th February 2026