Information & Advice: Prison - Victims Levy - Deductions from your wages if you are working out whilst in prison

1. Introduction Back to top

This document summarises the introduction of the Prisoners’ Earnings Act 1996 (PEA) as detailed in Prison Service Instruction (PSI) 48/2011, which was issued on the 4th August 2011. The PSI is not yet available online, but we understand from NOMS that it will be available shortly.

This has been written for people in prison who are currently undertaking paid work in the community, and for those who may well be in the future. It sets out the process of deductions that will be made by NOMS on behalf of the Governor, which will then be paid to Victim Support. It also helps people understand how much levy will be taken from a specific wage.

Alongside this document, we have developed the Victims Levy Calculator. This tool helps you to establish how much of your earnings will be deducted by the Prison and paid to Victim Support if you are in prison and working out in the community.


2. Summary of changes Back to top
The Government is implementing the Prisoners’ Earnings Act 1996
The terms of the Act will come into force on the 26th September 2011
From this date, your wages will no longer be paid to you directly – they will be paid to NOMS Shared Service Centre (SSC)
If you are undertaking paid work in the community you will be able to earn £20 per week without any deduction
For any “net” earnings (i.e. after tax, national insurance, court-ordered and child support payments) above £20 per week, SSC will deduct 40% of your wages. The remaining amount will then be credited to your bank account
The amount deducted will be paid to Victim Support.
For further details, click here: http://www.unlock.org.uk/xoffenders.aspx?sid=266