# The Parole Board (Amendment) (No. 2) Rules 2026

S.I. 2026/204 · made 3 March 2026

Rule 2 removes paragraph (1ZA) of rule 19 which creates a presumption that in certain cases, the panel will make a decision on the papers, but the panel is able to depart from this and direct that a case should be directed to an oral hearing where there are exceptional circumstances to justify it.

Made under: Criminal Justice Act 2003 (Section 239)

PDFs: Printed copy https://openlegislation.uk/parole-board-amendment-no-2-rules-2026/pdf/uksi_20260204_en.pdf; UK Explanatory Memorandum https://openlegislation.uk/parole-board-amendment-no-2-rules-2026/pdf/uksiem_20260204_en_001.pdf

## Introductory text

PRISONS, ENGLAND AND WALES
Made at 10.30 a.m. on 3rd March 2026
Laid before Parliament at 4.30 p.m. on 3rd March 2026
Coming into force 4th March 2026
The Secretary of State makes these Rules in exercise of the powers conferred by section 239(5) of the Criminal Justice Act 2003.

## 1 Citation, commencement and extent

(1) These Rules may be cited as the Parole Board (Amendment) (No. 2) Rules 2026.
(2) These Rules come into force on 4th March 2026.
(3) These Rules extend to England and Wales.

## 2 Amendment to the Parole Board Rules 2019

In rule 19 (consideration on the papers) of the Parole Board Rules 2019, omit paragraph (1ZA).

## 3 Revocation

The Parole Board (Amendment) Rules 2026 are revoked.

## Signature

Levitt
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State
Ministry of Justice
at 10.30 a.m. on 3rd March 2026

## Explanatory note

(This note is not part of the Rules)
Rule 2 removes paragraph (1ZA) of rule 19 which creates a presumption that in certain cases, the panel will make a decision on the papers, but the panel is able to depart from this and direct that a case should be directed to an oral hearing where there are exceptional circumstances to justify it.
Rule 3 revokes the Parole Board (Amendment) Rules 2026 (S.I. 2026/129) which made further amendments to, and in consequence of, paragraph (1ZA) of rule 19.
A full impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as no, or no significant, impact on the private, voluntary or public sectors is foreseen.

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Source: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2026/204 (the official version)
Page: https://openlegislation.uk/parole-board-amendment-no-2-rules-2026
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Source: legislation.gov.uk, The National Archives.