Serious criminals detained in hospital to no longer receive benefits

Killers and sex offenders who are detained in hospital will no longer receive benefits under new proposals called for by victims' families.

The Government confirmed the move to end so-called "double provision" which enables offenders to claim hundreds of pounds a month for living costs while receiving NHS psychiatric treatment.

Proposals set to be laid in Parliament on Tuesday would close the loophole and prevent serious criminals receiving up to £800 a month in universal credit over several years.

This would save an estimated tens of millions of pounds annually.

Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said: "We said we'd act to tackle this gross unfairness and we’re delivering on that promise.

"For too long these violent criminals have had their living costs paid by the taxpayer twice over, while their victims and families paid the price.

"That ends today because victims and taxpayers deserve a system that is fair and supports only those who genuinely need it."

The new regulations are expected to come into force early next year after parliamentary approval.

Parents of Barnaby Webber and Grace O’Malley Kumar, who were killed by Valdo Calocane in Nottingham in 2023, welcomed the announcement.

Calocane was convicted of manslaughter on the basis of diminished responsibility.

Emma Webber, Barnaby’s mother, said: "This is long overdue, and simply the right thing to do.

"It was a disgrace that Calocane and offenders like him have ever received taxpayers' money.

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"A hospital bed does not erase the egregious crimes committed, nor the destruction they have caused.

"Closing this loophole finally delivers some basic accountability that victims deserve."

Dr Sanjoy Kumar, Ms O'Malley-Kumar's father, said: "Our campaign has always been about accountability and fairness.

"On the principle of fairness alone, we do not see why taxpayers should fund benefits while they are incarcerated.

"We are grateful to the Secretary of State Pat McFadden for taking action and listening to our campaign which always been about what is good for the country."

The proposed regulations will apply to individuals subject to a Section 37 order under the Mental Health Act 1983 and a Section 57A order under the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995.

The offences covered include manslaughter, attempted murder, wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, rape, assault by penetration and rape of a child under 13.

The changes are expected to affect around 2,500 offenders already in hospital and a further 200 in the future, the Government said.

Helen Whately, the Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, said: "Killers and rapists should not pocket benefits from a hospital bed.

"Labour has taken all year to stop a loophole it promised to close. And tens of millions saved barely makes a dent in the benefits bill Labour has let spiral out of control.

"The Conservatives would make universal credit a conditional, time-limited benefit, so taxpayers' money goes only to those who genuinely need it."