http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2020/17/section/302Sentencing Act 2020An Act to consolidate certain enactments relating to sentencing.texttext/xmlenStatute Law Database2026-04-09Expert Participation2026-04-07 THIRD GROUP OF PARTSDisposalsPART 10Custodial sentencesCHAPTER 5Suspended sentences<Emphasis>Suspended sentence order with community requirement: obligations of responsible officer and offender</Emphasis>Duty to obtain permission before changing residence3021This section applies during the supervision period of a suspended sentence order which imposes one or more community requirements.But it does not apply if the order includes a residence requirement (see paragraph 13 of Schedule 9).2The offender must not change residence without permission given in accordance with this section by—athe responsible officer, orba court.3The obligation imposed by subsection (2) has effect as if it were a community requirement imposed by the suspended sentence order.4The appropriate court may, on an application made by the offender, give permission in a case in which the responsible officer has refused.5A court may also give permission in any proceedings before it under Schedule 16 (breach or amendment of orders etc).6The grounds on which the responsible officer or court may refuse an application for permission are that, in the opinion of the officer or court, the change in residence—ais likely to prevent the offender complying with a requirement imposed by the suspended sentence order, orbwould hinder the offender's rehabilitation.7The responsible officer must refuse an application for permission if—athe offender's present residence is in England or Wales, andbthe offender's proposed residence is outside England and Wales.8For cases in which a suspended sentence order has to be amended because of permission given under this section, see paragraph 23 of Schedule 16 (amendment to reflect change in local justice area).9In this section “the appropriate court” has the same meaning as in Schedule 16.S. 302 in force at 1.12.2020 by S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2S. 302 modified by 2006 c. 52, s. 200(1)(c)(iv) (as substituted (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 25 para. 19 (with s. 416(7), Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2)Pt. 10 Ch. 5 applied (with modifications) by 2006 s. 52, ss. 200-207, Sch. 7 (as amended (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 25 paras. 19-26 (with s. 416(7), Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2)