HL Deb 10 February 2000 vol 609 c109WA
Lord Dholakia

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What effect on levels of crime they expect from their proposal that selected social security benefits should be withdrawn from offenders who fail to comply with community sentences. [HL867]

Lord Basam of Brighton

This is a positive measure about matching rights to the fulfilment of responsibilities; the right to claim benefit should be accompanied by a wider responsibility to society. The proposal is not intended as a punishment but it is expected to have a beneficial effect on increasing compliance with sentences. Those who comply with the sentence of a court will suffer no penalty under these proposals.

The proposed measure will be piloted. The evaluation will include an assessment of its impact on behaviour.