Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

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.

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.