New government regulations, expected to be introduced in Parliament on Tuesday, aim to cease benefit payments for serious criminals, including killers and sex offenders, who are detained in hospital. The proposals, which have been advocated for by victims' families, seek to end what the government describes as "double provision."
Currently, serious criminals undergoing psychiatric treatment in hospitals can receive up to £800 a month in Universal Credit over several years, even though their bed and board costs are already covered by the NHS. The government estimates that closing this loophole will result in annual savings of tens of millions of pounds.
The families of Barnaby Webber and Grace O'Malley-Kumar, who were tragically killed by Valdo Calocane in Nottingham in June 2023, have publicly welcomed the announcement. Calocane, diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia in 2020, was convicted of manslaughter on the basis of diminished responsibility and is currently detained in a high-security hospital. He also killed caretaker Ian Coates in the same attacks.
Emma Webber, Barnaby's mother, stated that the change is "long overdue, and simply the right thing to do." She added, "It was a disgrace that Calocane and offenders like him have ever received taxpayers' money. 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, Grace's father, echoed these sentiments, highlighting that their campaign has always been about "accountability and fairness." He noted, "Offenders with treatment orders already cost the taxpayer an enormous amount. On release, every offender gets help with housing and benefits. On the principle of fairness alone, we do not see why taxpayers should fund benefits while they are incarcerated."
Similar calls for an end to benefits for offenders in psychiatric hospitals came from the mother of Kennedi Westcarr-Sabaroche. Kennedi was killed by her partner, Gogoa Lois Tape, 28, in Hackney, east London, in April 2024. Tape was given an indefinite hospital order after pleading guilty to manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility.
Kennedi's mother, Linda Westcarr, emphasized that for many victims' families, the issue "raises understandable concerns about fairness, accountability and the values we uphold as a society." She further commented, "In my view, this is not simply a question of policy, it is also a matter of moral responsibility and ensuring that the impact on victims and their families is properly recognised."
The new regulations are anticipated to come into force early next year, pending parliamentary approval.
