No punishment for £5k benefit thief

Zoe Yaxley, from New Ash Green, has admitted falsely claiming £5,195. She had failed to inform the authorities she had two jobs between August 2007 and July 2008. She illegally claimed £3,821 income support, £633 housing benefit and £740 council tax benefit.

She was sentenced to an 18 month conditional discharge.

Sevenoaks District Council and the DWP are now both seeking the repayment of the falsely claimed benefits.

• These people do it for the money. So hit them in the pocket. It was money that motivated them, and a financial penalty will help to deter them.
  
  People convicted of benefit fraud who don't receive a custodial sentence should have to do unpaid work.
  
  Benefit thieves should also have to repay twice what they've stolen, and should not be eligible for any further benefits – including tax credits - until they have. A confiscation order should be automatic and immediate. The present procedures are slow and costly.
  
  If you don't punish people who are convicted of an easy crime, the offence will continue to look attractive.
  
  Theresa May, please note. Taxpayers lose over £2bn a year to benefit fraud.