Under upcoming legislative proposals, violent criminals and serious sex offenders held in psychiatric facilities will no longer be eligible to collect government welfare payments. The change comes following an intensive campaign led by the families of individuals killed in high-profile attacks, including those affected by the Nottingham stabbings.

Ministers plan to introduce regulations in Parliament to close what officials described as a loophole permitting "double provision." At present, individuals detained under hospital orders receive free housing, meals, and medical care funded by the National Health Service while simultaneously continuing to accumulate outside welfare support, such as universal credit, amounting to hundreds of pounds monthly.

The shift follows sustained advocacy from relatives of victims, including Emma Webber, the mother of Barnaby Webber, and Dr. Sanjoy Kumar, the father of Grace O'Malley-Kumar. Barnaby Webber, Grace O'Malley-Kumar, and Ian Coates lost their lives in June 2023 during attacks carried out by Valdo Calocane in Nottingham. Calocane received a hospital order following a conviction for manslaughter due to diminished responsibility.

Following a meeting with Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden, victim advocates welcomed the impending policy shift as a necessary step toward fairness and accountability. Relatives pointed out that offenders secure substantial savings while residing in high-security facilities, contrasting their situation with law-abiding citizens struggling with everyday expenses outside.

The campaign also received backing from other families impacted by violent crime, such as the mother of Kennedi Westcarr-Sabaroche, who was killed in London by a partner who was subsequently issued an indefinite hospital detention order. Supporters of the reform argued that funding should not subsidize individuals who have committed severe offenses, especially when taxpayers already cover the substantial costs of their institutional care and eventual reintegration support.

Government officials project that ending welfare disbursements to detained offenders will yield annual savings of tens of millions of pounds. Pending parliamentary approval, the new rules are scheduled to take effect early next year. Families have additionally urged authorities to redirect the recovered money toward advocacy and support services for those affected by serious crimes.

Reporting based on coverage first published by BBC News. Read the original report at BBC News.