How Much Money is a Prisoner Allowed in the UK?
How Much Money is a Prisoner Allowed in the UK
In the UK, the financial system within prisons is designed to ensure that prisoners can purchase essential items and services while also promoting responsibility and financial management. Here’s a breakdown of how much money a prisoner is allowed and how this system operates:
Types of Prisoner Accounts:
- Private Cash: This is the money a prisoner has with them when they come into prison or that is sent in for them.
- Spends: This is the account from which prisoners can buy items from the prison shop (canteen). Money earned in prison (from wages) or received from external sources goes into this account.
- Savings: This is an account where prisoners can save their money. They cannot spend from this account without permission.
How Much Money is a Prisoner Allowed in the UK
Earnings:
- Prisoners who work inside the prison can earn money. The exact amount varies based on the job and the establishment but is typically quite modest. As of my last update in 2021, most prisoners earn between £10 and £30 a week.
Limits on Spending:
- The amount a prisoner can spend weekly is determined by their Incentives and Earned Privileges (IEP) level. For example:
- Basic: Up to £15.50
- Standard: Up to £25.50
- Enhanced: Up to £35.50
- The amount a prisoner can spend weekly is determined by their Incentives and Earned Privileges (IEP) level. For example:
Receiving Money from Outside:
- Family and friends can send money to prisoners. Different establishments have different methods, which may include postal orders, cheques, or online banking methods.
- It’s important to note there might be limits on the amount a prisoner can receive, and any amount over the limit is typically transferred to their savings account.
Using the Money:
- The money in the ‘spends’ account can be used to purchase items from the prison canteen/shop, such as snacks, toiletries, stationery, and sometimes phone credits.
Release Money:
- Upon release, prisoners are given a discharge grant to help them settle back into society. This amount is set by the government and, as of 2021, stands at £46 for adult prisoners. This figure is subject to change.
- In addition, prisoners can access the money in their private cash and savings accounts upon release.
Debts and Deductions:
- Prisons can make deductions from prisoners’ earnings and cash to pay for various obligations, such as court fines, victim compensation, and child support.
It’s always advisable to refer to the specific regulations of an individual prison or the latest guidance from the Ministry of Justice for up-to-date information, as rules and amounts can vary and change over time.
How Much Money is a Prisoner Allowed in the UK -The Amounts
| Weekly IEP Level | UNCONVICTED | CONVICTED |
|---|---|---|
| BASIC | £27.50 | £5.50 |
| STANDARD | £60.50 | £19.80 |
| ENHANCED | £66.00 | £33.00 |
In the UK, prisoners are provided with basic necessities, but they also have the option to purchase additional items using their personal funds. The prison’s canteen or shop is the primary place where prisoners can buy these items. Here’s a breakdown of what UK prisoners commonly spend their money on:
Food and Snacks:
- Biscuits, crisps, sweets, soft drinks, tinned food, instant noodles, coffee, tea, and other snacks or comfort foods.
Toiletries:
- Shampoo, conditioner, soap, deodorant, razors, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and other personal hygiene items.
Tobacco and Vaping Products:
- Historically, cigarettes and tobacco were popular items. However, many UK prisons have gone smoke-free, leading to an increase in the sale of vaping products and e-cigarettes.
Stationery and Postal Supplies:
- Paper, pens, envelopes, stamps, and other items for writing letters or keeping a journal.
Phone Credits:
- While mobile phones are banned, prisons often provide access to payphones. Prisoners can buy phone credits to call family, friends, or legal representatives.
Recreational Items:
- Magazines, newspapers, puzzle books, board games, and hobby materials.
Clothing and Footwear:
- Some prisons allow prisoners to purchase additional or special clothing items, especially those suitable for gym or sports activities.
Electrical Items:
- Depending on the prison’s rules, prisoners might be able to purchase radios, headphones, or even small televisions. Some prisons also allow certain other electronics like tablet devices (which are highly restricted in terms of functionalities).
Educational Materials:
- Books, study materials, or courses that aren’t provided for free by the prison.
Special Items:
- Some prisons may allow the purchase of special items on certain occasions or festivals, like greeting cards for birthdays or holidays.
- Savings:
- Some prisoners choose to save a portion of their money for use upon release or to help family members on the outside.
The availability of items can vary depending on the prison, its security category, and the individual privileges earned by the prisoner. While the canteen provides an avenue for prisoners to obtain goods, it’s also a mechanism to teach financial responsibility, as prisoners must budget their earnings and any money sent from outside to cater to their needs and wants.