I wrote earlier this week about a reader who had reported a case of benefit fraud but it hadn't been investigated.
The DWP has only some 3,000 investigators for 5.8m claimants. No wonder so few cases reach the courts.
More investigators are not the answer. The system is clogged up already, and the coalition has said that the state is now in an age of austerity.
So effort has to concentrate on deterring people from committing fraud in the first place until IDS can restructure and simplify welfare to make fraud harder and less tempting.
Punishments have to be stern and visible. Too often benefit thieves just have to make paltry repayments over many years, and any penalty element is minimal.
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.
Court sentencing needs to be significantly tougher.
Everyone convicted of benefit fraud who doesn't go to prison 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.
Sentences should be related to the length of the offence, as well as to the amount.
Administrative penalties will have to remain less stern than this new court sentencing regime (otherwise everyone will opt for court), but the punishment must still be visible and stern. All the financial elements should stay in place. But people should know that if they are found guilty in court they will also go to prison or do unpaid work.
Sterner, visible punishments will have two effects.
- First, the political. Voters have been complaining on the doorsteps about people receiving benefit who shouldn't. The coalition will score if voters see miscreants punished visibly.
- Secondly, the financial. Realistically, we will probably not see significantly more money flow in from confiscations and stiffer repayments. But the deterrent effect may lead to fewer fraudulent claims, and to some fraudulent claims being quietly discontinued.
2 comments:
although I doubt this would ever work because of the amount of paperwork, I would love to see this put into action.
receipts for everything purchased whilst on benefits - and without the receipts - no more money.
why people think they can spend tax payers money on cigarettes, alcohol, chocolate, crisps and gambling is beyond me.
the money should be there for food and absolute necessities - no luxuries what so ever.
why should a hardworking member of society not be able to afford treats because bills have to be paid, when someone on benefits can have a natter in the pub?
strong punishments for thieves and less money to force them out of a more comfortable lifestyle.
like the blog you've got going here! let's hope more people see things the way you do!
Its an interesting subject Benefit Fraud, i continually read articles from people who say that Benefit Thieves should be hung drawn and quartered, thats as maybe, but whats the point of putting these people behind bars? They have had the tax payers money and if they reside in HMP who pays for it.... the tax payer! I have been investigated benefit fraud from 1984 to 2001, since then I have prosecuted them and I can tell you that each year the number I successfully prosecute increases. The Dwp may only have 3,000 investigators but every Local Authority employs investigators too,some unit are large 20+ staff whilst others small as in 1. Every investigator, both DWP nad LA knows that they are only scratching the surface of the fraud that goes on. I think it would be fair to say that there are two major issues about the numbers investigated, firstly resources, in this time of ressession LAs are coming under increasing pressure to reduce staffing levels but when your resourses are stretched and insufficient to start with more fraud goes un-investigated. The second issue to the fact that the public on large do not see Benefit Fraud as a serious crime, it takes billions from the tax payer each year, but those tax payers also refuse to 'grass' on offenders. There has to be a serious look at changing the publics perspective and encourage them to contact the authorities.
So what would I recommend..... invest in more highly trained investigators, run an advertising campaign aimed at changing the publics perspective, actively encouraging them to come forward with information, point out that those billions that are stolen would build x number of hospitals, train y number of doctors, nurses teachers or policemen. (I know this works because I have done small presentations using local information)Increase activity of computer matching schemes by adding data from more private and public organisations.
As to the sentencing, not only reduce benefits if caught, but ensure that its repaid and put the perpetrator to work in the community giving something back to the community they stole from.
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