How is the SNP investing in community justice?

Protecting victims and the public from further harm is an absolute priority for the SNP as the Scottish Government.

This remains consistent with the aims for community justice while protecting the public and robustly managing risk.

Evidence shows that community‑based interventions and sentences can be more effective in reducing reoffending and assisting with rehabilitation compared to short-term custodial sentences.

The SNP firmly believes that while prison will continue to be the right option for some, in many circumstances, keeping non-violent individuals out of custody is the best way to prevent further offending, reduce victimisation, and keep communities safe.

The SNP’s budget for 2026/27 is also investing £102.3 million in community justice, with an additional £25 million over two years already committed to strengthen alternatives to custody and, with that, lowering reoffending.