Serious offenders, including killers and sex offenders, detained in hospital will no longer receive welfare benefits under new government proposals. Regulations set to be laid before Parliament on Tuesday aim to end the practice of individuals receiving up to £800 a month in universal credit while their hospital care and living expenses are funded by the NHS.

The government stated that closing this "loophole" is expected to save tens of millions of pounds annually. This policy shift comes after significant campaigning by the families of victims, who argued it was unfair for those who have committed serious crimes to continue receiving taxpayer-funded benefits while incarcerated and receiving treatment.

The parents of Barnaby Webber and Grace O'Malley-Kumar, who were tragically killed in Nottingham in 2023 by Valdo Calocane, welcomed the announcement. Calocane, who had been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, was convicted of manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility and detained in a high-security hospital. Barnaby's mother, Emma Webber, described the change as "long overdue" and "simply the right thing to do," emphasizing that a hospital bed should not erase the impact of egregious crimes.

Dr. Sanjoy Kumar, Grace's father, highlighted that their campaign focused on accountability and fairness, noting that offenders with treatment orders already impose significant costs on taxpayers. He questioned the fairness of the public funding benefits for individuals while they are detained, especially when support is provided upon release. The mother of Kennedi Westcarr-Sabaroche, killed by her partner Gogoa Lois Tape in London in April 2024, also advocated for an end to these payments. Tape was given an indefinite hospital order after pleading guilty to manslaughter by diminished responsibility.

Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden stated that the government is acting to address "gross unfairness" and place "fairness back at the heart of the welfare system." The move is part of a broader plan to reform the welfare system and ensure it reflects societal values.

The new regulations are anticipated to take effect early next year, pending parliamentary approval. This decision follows extensive consultations with victims' families and experts, aiming to bring about greater accountability and perceived fairness within the justice and welfare systems.

Victims' families have expressed relief and a sense of justice, feeling that this change acknowledges the profound impact of the crimes committed and the need for offenders to be held accountable. The financial savings projected by the government underscore the scale of resources previously allocated to this practice.

Questions remain about the precise implementation details and the scope of offenders affected. However, the core principle of preventing benefit payments to those detained in hospital for serious offenses has been established, marking a significant victory for the families involved in the advocacy.