Despite being imprisoned, convicted criminals are reportedly receiving hundreds of pounds in benefits.
Universal Credit is a government benefit that assists people with their living expenses. Those on a low income or who are unemployed are among those who are eligible for the payment.
However, some inmates continue to receive the monthly benefit even though they are ineligible.
During a 12-week sentence for drunk driving at Belmarsh Prison, one prisoner claimed to have received £1,470 in benefits.
The recently released man claimed that others in the same prison were also receiving such benefits.
“It’s common in jail,” he revealed.
“Three hardened criminals on my wing were receiving benefits. One received his for ten months.”
However, the Department of Work and Pensions stated that there may be “rare cases” where people receive benefits who should not, claiming that overpayments are eventually recovered.
“In rare cases where a change of circumstances is not immediately processed, records can be updated at a later date and overpayments recovered,” according to the DWP.
The payment error comes as the UK’s cost-of-living crisis continues to bite, with many households struggling to pay their monthly bills.