[Sociable]

The biggest problem with the Benefits system is that it is open to abuse by both sides.

Yes there have been a few cases (very few) involving multiple calims that have come to light and the main person involved in some were coloured.

Fraud is, however, more often a "white skinned" not just white collar crime. In my experience as a Benefits Advice worker, the more common situation is a coloured claimant actually finding gaining benefits harder than their white counterparts for a whole host of reasons.

The treatment of †œfraudâ €  in different situations is also very interesting.

The government runs a double standard here and the point at which a prosecution is taken differs between †œtax evasionââ‚à ‚¬Ã‚, normally only prosecuted for fraud involving over £75,000 , whereas any Benefit fraud is usually prosecuted for any fraud exceeding £0.75.

As I said at the start, fraud aside, the system is open to abuse by both sides and this is particularly true where DLA is considered. Anyone who got caught up with the infamous B.I.P.* will know what I mean.

The basic rule now is turn people down in the hope they will just give up and go away. Then, should they seek redress through the appeals process, fight them all the way in the hope they will eventually give up and go away.

Each time they are able to turn someone away this way they save money. Sadly, however, in my experience the ones most likely to give up are those most likely to have deserved to succeed.

The one glimmer of hope is that all political parties are now agreed that the current system needs a mega overhaul to make it fairer and most of all fulfil its original purpose.

I am certainly hoping that my own appeals due to be heard in the Court of Appeal later this year will help to establish some new effective case law which will in turn be reflected in any new legislation.

(*Benefit Integrity Program)