Serious Criminals Detained in Hospital to No Longer Receive Benefits
Source reports published 20 Oct 2026, 9:21 am – 2:21 pm AEST
The UK government is implementing new regulations to prevent serious criminals detained in hospital from receiving benefits. This change, supported by victims' families and experts, aims to close a loophole and save tens of millions of pounds annually.
What happened
- The government announced plans to end the practice of serious criminals receiving universal credit payments while detained in hospital.
- Regulations, expected to come into force early next year following parliamentary approval, will apply to individuals subject to Section 37 orders under the Mental Health Act 1983 and Section 57A orders under the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995.
- These orders cover offenses including manslaughter, attempted murder, and rape.
- Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden stated that this action addresses ‘gross unfairness’ and ensures taxpayer funds support those genuinely in need.
- Emma Webber, the mother of Barnaby Webber who was killed by Valdo Calocane, welcomed the change, stating it was ‘long overdue’ and delivered ‘basic accountability’ for victims.
- Calocane, convicted of manslaughter, was previously receiving benefits.
- Dr Sanjoy Kumar, Grace O’Malley-Kumar’s father, emphasized the importance of accountability and fairness, arguing that taxpayers should not fund benefits while offenders are incarcerated.
- Helen Whately, the Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, reiterated that ‘killers and rapists should not pocket benefits from a hospital bed.’
- The government estimates the change will affect approximately 2,500 offenders currently in hospital and a further 200 in the future.
Original reporting
- BBC: Criminals in hospital set to lose benefits under new rules
2026-10-19T23:21:38.708000+00:00 - GB News: Serious criminals detained in hospital to no longer receive benefits
2026-10-20T04:21:45+00:00