Compulsorily Detained Psychiatric Patients: Social Security Benefits
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether her Department plans to review payments of benefits to people serving full life terms in secure psychiatric units.
Answered by Sir Stephen Timms
Where a court has decided that someone has committed a criminal offence but that they should say be sent to hospital rather than receiving a custodial sentence in prison, the length of their stay is determined by their recovery and the extent to which they are no longer a risk to themselves or others. Psychiatrist, and in some cases a Mental Health Tribunal or the Secretary of State for Justice, determine when they will be released. All patients in hospital are entitled to benefits. DWP keeps all benefits under review.
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