Hospital criminals to lose benefits in 'double provision' crackdown

Serious criminals detained in psychiatric hospitals will lose up to £800 a month in Universal Credit under new Government regulations closing the so-called “double provision” loophole, Brit Brief reported.

Killers, sex offenders and other violent offenders receiving NHS psychiatric treatment will no longer be able to claim Universal Credit for living costs already covered by the taxpayer through their bed, board and treatment. The rules will apply nationwide and are expected to affect around 2,500 offenders already detained in hospital, saving tens of millions of pounds a year. The regulations are due to come into force early next year following parliamentary approval.

Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said: “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 crackdown follows years of campaigning by victims’ families. Emma Webber, whose son Barnaby was killed by Valdo Calocane in the 2023 Nottingham attacks, called it “long overdue, and simply the right thing to do”. Calocane was given an indefinite hospital order after admitting manslaughter by diminished responsibility.

Julian Hendy of campaign group the Hundred Families said paying state benefits to serious offenders on hospital orders “cannot be justified. It is unjust and morally wrong.”

The move follows proposals the Department for Work and Pensions unveiled in January.

Sources

• Brit Brief, “London hospital criminals face benefits ban under new rules” (published 2026-10-19): https://britbrief.co.uk/politics/policymaking/hospital-criminals-face-benefits-ban-under-new-rules.html
• Brit Brief, “Nottingham killer Valdo Calocane loses benefits as loophole closed” (published 2026-10-19): https://britbrief.co.uk/politics/policymaking/nottingham-killer-loses-benefits-as-loophole-closed.html
• Department for Work and Pensions, “Convicted criminals detained in hospitals set to lose benefits” (January 2026 proposals): https://www.gov.uk/government/news/convicted-criminals-detained-in-hospitals-set-to-lose-benefits