The Ministry of Justice announced on 15 October 2026 that three new Intensive Supervision Courts had opened for women in West Yorkshire, Merseyside and Northumbria, raising the total number of such courts across the country to 7. The scheme, first launched in 2023, is intended to address trauma and addiction underlying low-level offending, with judges monitoring progress and tighter supervision where needed, including tagging and treatment services.

According to the release, the approach has been shown to reduce reoffending by a third in the US. The ministry cited Suzanne Smith, Head of Women's Justice at the Centre for Justice Innovation, saying an independent evaluation found improved wellbeing, stronger family relationships and reduced substance use. Minister for Prisons, Probation and Reducing Reoffending Catherine McKinnell said the courts combine firm punishment with support.

The release also cited government investment of £32m in local women's centres and charities nationwide, and an increase in probation funding of up to £700 million extra by 2028/29, including the recruitment of at least 1,300 additional probation officers over the next year.