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Crime does pay if you want to take OU course: Taxpayers funding 1,600 prisoners this year

Updated: 07:26 EST, 9 March 2011



Taxpayer cash is being used to fund degree courses for prisoners, it has emerged.

The revelation is likely to 'outrage' the public, a Tory MP warned.

More than 1,600 prisoners have registered to start Open University course modules this financial year, with all but a few benefiting from public or charity funding.

The figures were revealed in a parliamentary answer to Priti Patel, MP for Witham, who condemned the gold-plated rights' given to inmates. Prisons minister Crispin Blunt gave details of the Open University funding for inmates which Tory MP Priti Patel said would cause outrage

Ms Patel said: 'This is yet another example of gold-plated rights for convicted criminals at the expense of their victims and the law-abiding majority.

'The public will be outraged to see their hard-earned taxes funding degrees for prisoners while most people have to pay their own way through university by taking out loans.

'Not only will this seem unfair to those who do the right thing, pay their own way and do not break the law, but it also sends out the signal that crime pays.'

Ms Patel asked ministers how many prisoners were taking courses at undergraduate level or higher, and how their fees were paid.

Prisons minister Crispin Blunt replied: 'In the 2010-11 financial year to date 1,609 prisoners in England and Wales have registered to start an Open University (OU) course module.

'In addition, about five are currently studying at undergraduate level at other higher education institutions, none of whom are funded from statutory funds.'

Mr Blunt said 'a few prisoners self-fund' but most had courses paid for through one of three separate systems, adding: 'Course fees for initial OU study for prisoners are paid for by the Prisoners' Education Trust using funds from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, operating to a capped budget.'

Once prisoners have completed initial courses 'most will be eligible for an income-assessed OU fee waiver' funded through the Higher Education Funding Council for England.

Mr Blunt added: 'Some prisoners receive funding for course fees from charitable funds provided by Prisoners' Education Trust, the Longford Trust and other charities.'

A review of offender learning covering higher education arrangements for prisoners will report shortly, he said.

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