Infected Blood Compensation Body Top-tier Cohort
The Root and Branch review set out the need for a more precautionary approach to releasing offenders, in particular, those who have committed the most serious offences and who may go on to commit another offence that causes serious harm if released. The review identified a need for greater safeguards whenever the Parole Board determines that any of these prisoners is suitable for release. The Review, therefore, proposed the creation of a "top-tier" cohort of prisoners who have committed murder, rape, certain terrorist offences or who have caused or allowed the death of a child. The Review concluded that any decision to release an offender in the top tier should be subject to greater ministerial scrutiny.
	The Act creates and defines the "top-tier" cohort whose release decisions will be subject to greater scrutiny. The cohort also includes all transferred offenders, service offenders and repatriated offenders who have committed top tier offences and whose release is subject to the parole system of England and Wales. Inchoate offences (preparatory or anticipatory versions of the top-tier offences) are not included in the top tier list.