Light sentences for benefit frauds

When submitting her benefit claims, Pauline Rothwell from Abergele failed to declare that she and her husband owned a second property in Manchester worth over £100,000 and had rented it out for a total of £12,000 ... by way of Housing Benefit from Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council.

She was overpaid Income Support, Pension Credit and Council Tax Benefit amounting to £6,601 from July 2003 to February 2007. And the punishment? She was fined £495 and ordered to pay costs of £585.

Jeanette Barrett, from Bromsgrove, failed to give prompt written notification of a change of circumstances, namely that she was working whilst claiming Housing and Council Tax Benefit. This resulted in an overpayment of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit, totalling £2,635.

And her punishment? She was sentenced by Redditch Magistrates to a compensation order stating that she needs to repay £1,000 over a two-year period, paying £100 that day, followed by £10 per week, via a fines collection order.

• 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.
  
  If you don't punish people who are convicted of an easy crime, the offence will continue to look attractive.