Conservative Party Proposes Benefit Payment Cards to Restrict Spending by Offenders on Benefits

The Conservative Party would introduce payment cards for convicted criminals receiving state benefits, restricting their use to prevent spending on gambling, alcohol or cigarettes. The cards would replace cash payments and block ATM withdrawals, money transfers and purchases at alcohol or gambling outlets.

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp described the measure on The Camilla Tominey Show on GB News.

He said the cards would apply to offenders serving community sentences or suspended sentences, as well as those on license after leaving prison and for one year afterward. Philp said the policy forms part of broader efforts to cut benefit spending. He stated that preventing all foreign citizens from receiving benefits is also included in those plans.

Philp said the restriction targets criminals because an “overwhelming moral case” exists when taxpayer-funded benefits are involved. He added that the party also needs to reduce the overall benefits bill. Philp said welfare spending is far too high.

He said it is wrong that foreign citizens currently receive benefits that would end under a Conservative government. Philp said it is also wrong that people with mild anxiety or mild depression are signed off sick without seeing a doctor face to face. He said billions of pounds are paid in such cases and that this must end.