Sectioned killers, rapists and terrorists to be banned from claiming benefits | Politics | News
Valdo Calocane was still able to receive thousands in benefits (Image: PA)
Killers, rapists and terrorists detained in hospitals will be barred from claiming benefits, under new reforms.
Offenders “convicted of the most serious crimes” will no longer be able to receive thousands of pounds a year, Keir Starmer said.
Dr Sanjoy Kumar and Dr Sinead O’Malley, the parents of Grace O’Malley-Kumar, who was killed by paranoid schizophrenic Valdo Calocane, welcomed the change, declaring “we now know that in her name good is being done for our country”.
Currently, criminals detained in hospital can be paid more than £800 per month in Universal Credit.
But ministers will close the “loophole” used by people convicted of violent crimes, such as manslaughter, rape, sexual assault and many terrorism offences.
Linda and Leon Westcarr, the mother and uncle of Kennedi Westcarr-Sabaroche, who was beaten and killed in a brutal eight-minute rampage by Gogoa Tape, said: “We welcome this long-overdue reform to the benefits system, which corrects a clear injustice that has caused real harm for too long.
“We are grateful that the current Secretary of State has listened and acted with humanity to ensure the system will no longer allow those responsible for serious crimes to benefit from their actions.
“While this change does not undo the suffering already experienced by families like ours, it removes the added pain of knowing such injustices could continue. We hope this marks a meaningful step toward greater fairness, accountability, and compassion in public policy.”
Dr Sanjoy Kumar and Dr Sinead O’Malley, parents of Grace O’Malley-Kumar added: “We are delighted to hear this announcement. For us, the campaigning families this is what decisive and bold departmental leadership looks like.
“As a result, our country now leads many countries across Europe on this issue.
“We also appreciate the help Pat McFadden MP has given our cause and our campaign. Whilst we have lost our brave and beautiful daughter Grace, we now know that in her name good is being done for our country”.
Prisoners are banned from claiming state benefits, but most convicted criminals ordered by the courts to receive treatment as patients in secure psychiatric hospitals remain eligible for welfare payments.
The benefits are designed to ensure that his dignity is maintained while in care, with funds for items such as clothes, food, books and electronic equipment.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “It cannot be right that offenders convicted of the most serious crimes continue to receive benefits they don’t need at the expense of the taxpayer.
Keir Starmer has hailed the changes (Image: Getty)
“These proposals will restore basic fairness and common sense to our social security system.
“I’m determined to do whatever it takes to stand up for victims, protect taxpayers, and ensure support goes to those who genuinely need it.”
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden, who met with Ms Westcarr-Sabaroche’s
“It’s unfair to victims’ families and to taxpayers whose hard-earned cash ends up in the pockets of offenders, and contrary to our values – we don’t reward acts of violence.
“That’s why I’m acting to right the wrongs within our benefits system, so it supports people who genuinely need it, while delivering fairness to the taxpayer.”
Those sectioned who have not committed any offence will still receive taxpayer handouts,
Julian Hendy from the Hundred Families charity, which supports families after mental health related killings said: “This is very welcome news. We have long argued that paying welfare benefits to people who have committed serious violent crimes is wrong and cannot be justified.
“They’re offenders sentenced to hospital orders who have no costs or need for such payments.
“We’ve argued paying benefits to such violent offenders is an insult to their victims who often struggle so hard to access effective care and support.
“We’re very grateful the Government have listened to our campaign and are taking action to put this anomaly right.”
