Court rejects appeal from prisoners
Justice Secretary Ken Clarke declared himself “delighted” with a decision by the High Court to reject an appeal from prisoners who claim that the levy on their wages which goes to victim support is too high. The challenge, which questioned the legality of the way Mr Clarke is operating rules governing deductions from pay packets, was dismissed “on all grounds” by a judge in London. The test action case affects inmates who took jobs outside of jail, working in the community as they prepare for their release. “For too long offenders have not done enough to shoulder the financial burden of their crimes, leaving the taxpayer to foot the bill for the damage they have caused,” said Mr Clarke. The Prisoners’ Earnings Act for Victim Support aims to make inmates take responsibility for their crimes and help victims recover. It has raised nearly £400,000 in the first six months.