Multiple outlets report that Burnham blocks rapists and serious child sex offenders from an early prison release scheme. The decision also affects the timing of the wider scheme, which is delayed until October. The stated reason for the postponement is to provide probation staff with time to plan for releases. The coverage focuses on two parts of the policy: (1) excluding certain categories of offenders—specifically rapists and serious child sex offenders—from early release, and (2) pushing back implementation so probation services can prepare operationally for any releases that do proceed under the programme. The reports do not indicate changes for other offence categories, and they frame the measures as adjustments to both eligibility and schedule rather than a complete end to early release. Overall, the sources agree on the groups affected and the October timeline for the scheme’s implementation, as well as the involvement of probation planning as the reason for the delay.