ROTL Application Refusal and Application Assistance
At Prisoner Rights Legal Services, we understand how important Release on Temporary Licence (ROTL) is for prisoners and their families. For many, it is the first step towards rebuilding independence and preparing for life after prison so an ROTL Application Refusal can be devestating. Our team can support with the application process by gathering and presenting all the relevant information. We also know that not every application is approved, and refusals can feel unfair or confusing. That’s where we can help too, we specialise in challenging ROTL refusals, ensuring each case is presented clearly, backed by strong evidence, and given the best chance of success.
Need immediate advice? Call us today on 0203 697 0403 for a confidential discussion.
What is ROTL?
Release on Temporary Licence (ROTL) is a scheme that allows certain prisoners to leave prison for short, controlled periods of time. This release is always subject to strict conditions and close monitoring. ROTL is not a free pass, it is a carefully structured privilege designed to support rehabilitation and reduce reoffending.
ROTL is usually only considered for those assessed as low risk and who have shown good progress in custody. It is a privilege that must be earned, but when granted, it provides a valuable bridge between prison life and freedom.
Prisoners on ROTL may be allowed out for different reasons, such as:
Work placements: giving prisoners the chance to gain real employment experience.
Education or Training: attending courses that may not be available inside the prison.
Family visits: rebuilding and maintaining important family relationships.
Resettlement activities : such as attending interviews, preparing accommodation, or meeting with probation officers before release.
Why ROTL Matters
- Gradual reintegration, allowing prisoners to adjust to life outside before their full release date.
- Employment opportunities, gaining skills, experience, and confidence to find work upon release.
- Stronger family bonds, providing vital emotional support that encourages positive behaviour.
- Reduced risk of reoffending, studies show that structured resettlement lowers the chances of returning to crime.
Without ROTL, many prisoners face release with little preparation, making it harder to cope with freedom and responsibilities. For this reason, ROTL is often seen as an essential step towards rehabilitation.
Common Reasons for ROTL Application Refusal
- Risk concerns, if staff believe the prisoner may not comply with the conditions or if there is a perceived risk to the public.
- Behaviour in custody, poor behaviour, rule-breaking, or a lack of engagement in rehabilitation can weigh heavily against an application.
- Insufficient progress, if a prisoner has not completed required courses or shown enough evidence of change.
- Address or placement issues, applications can be refused if the proposed home address, workplace, or placement cannot be checked or is considered unsuitable.
- Incomplete evidence, sometimes refusals happen simply because the application was not fully supported with the right documents or information.
In many cases, these issues can be addressed with the right prison law expert, evidence, and persistence.
Challenging a ROTL Application Refusal
A refusal is not necessarily the end of the road. Prisoners have the right to challenge decisions they believe are unfair, unreasonable, or based on incorrect information.
The challenge process usually involves:
- Reviewing the refusal letter, understanding the exact reasons for the decision.
- Gathering further evidence.
- Addressing concerns directly, if the refusal was based on risk or suitability, explaining why those concerns are not justified.
- Submitting a formal appeal, presenting clear, written representations to decision-makers.
Appeals need to be carefully written and supported by evidence. The key is to show that the prisoner is suitable for ROTL and that the refusal was not justified.
For our prison law experts to prepare and submit an appeal call us today on 0203 697 0403.
Possible Outcomes of a Challenge
Once a challenge is submitted, there are several possible outcomes:
- Refusal overturned, if the appeal is successful, ROTL may be granted and the prisoner allowed temporary release under strict conditions.
- Refusal upheld, the decision may remain in place, but reasons will be provided. This can help in preparing a stronger application next time.
- Reapplication allowed later, even if an appeal fails, there is often an opportunity to reapply after a set period, especially if new evidence can be provided.
It is important to remember that every case is different. A refusal does not mean ROTL will never be granted. Many prisoners succeed after a well-prepared challenge or a later application.
How We Can Help
At Prisoner Rights Legal Services, we specialise in acting for prisoners with ROTL applications and refusal challenges. Our team can:
01
Provide strong written submissions for applications
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Review refusal decisions and explain the reasons in plain language.
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Gather and organise the right evidence to strengthen the case.
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Submit clear, professional written representations for appeals.
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Challenge errors, unfair reasoning, or missing information in the refusal.
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Provide ongoing advice and support throughout the process.
FAQs about ROTL
What is Release on Temporary Licence (ROTL)?
Release on Temporary Licence (ROTL) allows some prisoners in England and Wales to leave prison for short, supervised periods. It is designed to support rehabilitation, resettlement, and family contact. ROTL includes licences for work, education, training, childcare, and compassionate or medical reasons.
Who is eligible for ROTL?
Not all prisoners can apply. Eligibility depends on sentence type, prison category, and risk assessments. Category A prisoners, unsentenced prisoners, and those on escape lists are excluded. Lower-risk prisoners, especially in open conditions, are more likely to qualify.
Why does an ROTL application refusal happen?
Applications may be refused for reasons such as perceived risk to the public, lack of evidence, poor behaviour in custody, or incomplete supporting documents. Decisions often reflect risk assessments and public confidence considerations.
Can a refusal of ROTL be challenged?
What types of ROTL are available?
There are several types:
Resettlement Day Release (RDR) for job interviews, education, or training.
Resettlement Overnight Release (ROR) to test reintegration at home.
Childcare Resettlement Licence (CRL) for maintaining childcare responsibilities.
Special Purpose Licence (SPL) for medical, compassionate, or emergency reasons.
How can legal support help with ROTL refusals?
Legal consultants can submit strong representations, gather supporting evidence, and liaise with prison authorities, the Offender Management Unit, and other bodies. Expert help makes the process clearer and increases the chances of a positive outcome.
Next Steps
If you or a loved one has had a ROTL application refused, don’t give up. Many refusals can be successfully challenged with the right support.
At Prisoner Rights Legal Services, we offer a free initial conversation to discuss your case and explain your options. You can contact us directly or complete our online enquiry form, and a member of our team will get back to you.
Take the first step towards overturning a ROTL refusal and moving closer to rehabilitation, independence, and release.
Speak to a Prison Law Expert Today
or complete our enquiry form and we’ll come back to you
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