New figures reveal that the UK government saves up to £41 million annually by withholding state pensions from prisoners aged 66 and over.
According to the data, 3,562 pensioners are currently serving prison sentences, making them ineligible to claim their state pension of £11,502 per year until their release. This policy saves the Treasury approximately £788,000 per week, as reported by The Telegraph.
Critics argue that withholding pensions from elderly prisoners is an additional punishment not imposed by the courts. Paula Harriott of the criminal justice charity Unlock highlighted that many of these individuals have worked for decades and paid significant National Insurance contributions before their imprisonment.
She described the policy as unfair, forcing elderly prisoners to rely on minimal “retirement pay” or take on prison jobs to supplement their income, which can be challenging for those with health issues.
The Prison Reform Trust echoed these concerns, quoting a male prisoner who called the policy “unfair” and “an additional and arbitrary punishment.” The trust also noted that elderly prisoners face significant challenges upon release, including financial insecurity, homelessness, and limited access to savings or pensions.
Some prisoners even expressed a preference for staying in prison rather than facing the uncertainty and poverty of life after release.
Campaigners have called for reforms to allow long-term prisoners to save money and contribute towards a pension while incarcerated.
They also recommended addressing practical issues, such as access to external bank accounts and the £900 cap on prison savings, which limits prisoners’ ability to prepare for life after release.
The debate over this policy highlights broader questions about the treatment of elderly prisoners and the fairness of denying them benefits they have contributed to throughout their working lives.
Critics argue that the policy exacerbates financial hardship for a vulnerable group, while the government benefits from significant savings. As calls for reform grow, the issue remains a contentious topic in discussions about criminal justice and welfare in the UK.
