The Conservatives have announced plans to limit the spending of benefit claimants with a criminal record, proposing a “restricted payment card” which would disallow any payments related to gambling, alcohol and tobacco products, as well as cash withdrawals and third party transfers.
The Conservatives have announced plans to reduce the UK’s welfare budget by introducing a “restricted payment card” for benefit claimants with a criminal record, which prohibits any payments related to gambling, alcohol or tobacco.
Announcing the measures this week, shadow home secretary Chris Philp said the restriction would apply to those who have received a community or suspended sentence where alcohol, gambling, or drugs were a factor in the charge.
“Hard-working families are taxed to the hilt to fund a welfare system that criminals are gaming,” said Philp.
“Conservatives say enough and have a clear plan to put an end to this farce by putting an end to criminals spending taxpayer money on gambling and alcohol.”
According to figures published by the party, up to 130,000 criminals a year could be issued with the restricted benefit cards, part of “a broader overhaul of the welfare system.”
Of the 9.2 million people currently on welfare support in England and Wales, approximately 500,000 are ex-offenders.
“The Tories’ idea for the ration cards is not yet official party policy, but the party has agreed to look into them,” reported The Telegraph. “They said the new cards would be based on the Aspen cards given out to asylum seekers.”
“All of a criminal benefit claimant’s Universal Credit would be allocated to the card, apart from payments made directly to providers. Other cash benefits, such as PIPs, will be unaffected. The policy will require primary legislation, backed by sentencing guidelines specifying when courts are expected to impose it.”
Benefits blocker
Chris Philp said… “Hard-working families are taxed to the hilt to fund a welfare system that criminals are gaming. Conservatives say enough and have a clear plan to put an end to this farce by putting an end to criminals spending taxpayer money on gambling and alcohol…
Originally published on Coinslot on June 8, 2026. Republished with permission.