Require all prisoners to contribute to their living costs, pay victims and the Treasury through prison work. We think this would reduce the public burden while promoting responsibility and rehabilitation.

The cost of imprisonment is currently borne almost entirely by taxpayers, including victims of crime. Through structured, paid prison work, prisoners could contribute more towards their accommodation and living expenses. Further earnings could be used to repay taxpayers, support victim compensation, and fund rehabilitation services. This approach would promote accountability, build work skills, deter repeat offending, and ensure imprisonment does not place unfair financial strain on the public.