For those of us unfit to work - Page 4

borrissey · 30-10-2011, 22:49

I pay £1100 each month in tax.

These changes are just stupid your always going to get people that cheat and work the system it's just a fact of life.

**Hugh** · 31-10-2011, 05:51

I disagree - those defrauding the system reduce the money available for those who need it, and the fraudsters also negatively affect the public view of valid claimants.

To do nothing, just because it is difficult, is a cop-out, imho.

Chrysalis · 31-10-2011, 06:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hugh

I disagree - those defrauding the system reduce the money available for those who need it, and the fraudsters also negatively affect the public view of valid claimants.

To do nothing, just because it is difficult, is a cop-out, imho.

Also tho by doing something eg. using a sledgehammer to kill a fly they denying money to legit claimants as they turning legit claimants down.

If they were that concerned about the legit claimants they wouldnt be going in so ad hoc.

The comment about GP notes longer than a week has merit as well, even tho my sister got told after her mini stroke she would be off work for months, she has had to go in weekly for sick notes.

Mr Angry · 31-10-2011, 06:32

You mean "Fit" notes.

Chrysalis · 31-10-2011, 06:59

yeah whatever the modern name is

dilli-theclaw · 31-10-2011, 07:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by borrissey

I pay Â£1100 each month in tax.

These changes are just stupid your always going to get people that cheat and work the system it's just a fact of life.

This doesn't mean you should just not bother sorting it out surely?

Incidentally I just want a fair test / system to claim these benefits not no system.

Chrysalis · 31-10-2011, 08:21

I will go out on a limb here and say its impossible.

1 - there will always be a level of fraud. Only way to stop that is withdraw it the entire benefit, also to mention there is fraud on all benefits rather than just IB as the press love to make out.
2 - It can either be too soft or too harsh, my view is a perfect middle ground isnt possible.

**Hugh** · 31-10-2011, 11:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chrysalis

Also tho by doing something eg. using a sledgehammer to kill a fly they denying money to legit claimants as they turning legit claimants down.

If they were that concerned about the legit claimants they wouldnt be going in so ad hoc.

The comment about GP notes longer than a week has merit as well, even tho my sister got told after her mini stroke she would be off work for months, she has had to go in weekly for sick notes.

Strange....

Link page 2, section 4

Quote:

4. Q. For how long will a fit note be valid?
A. During the first six months of an illness, a fit note will last for a maximum of three months. After the first six months, a fit note may be issued for a further six-month period.

Chrysalis · 31-10-2011, 19:44

It can be issued that long but it seems GPs are choosing to not do so now, at least not as often.

The real world is often different to whats legislated.

**Hugh** · 31-10-2011, 20:14

But that cannot be laid at the feet of ATOS, Decision Makers, or the Government of the day, surely.....

borrissey · 31-10-2011, 21:15

More important people to go after like the banks bonuses etc. IMO.

Chrysalis · 01-11-2011, 08:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hugh

But that cannot be laid at the feet of ATOS, Decision Makers, or the Government of the day, surely.....

Ultimately ATOS are doing what they told whilst of course making a profit as after all they a private company. DM's likewise will act how they been pushed. The agenda is less on benefits so thats what will happen regardless if right or wrong.

Osem · 03-11-2011, 11:23

http://news.bbc.co.uk/panorama/hi/fr...00/9630233.stm

Quote:

One man claims benefits for his rent on a council flat in Croydon yet was discovered living in Devon and running a village pub - commuting between the two in a Bentley.

Another man, claiming incapacity benefit for a bad back, told an undercover reporter about his trans-Atlantic sailing trip from South Carolina to the Azores on his yacht and his work in restoring a farmhouse in Normandy.

This sort of thing doesn't help the genuine claimant much does it!

denphone · 03-11-2011, 11:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Osem

http://news.bbc.co.uk/panorama/hi/fr...00/9630233.stm

This sort of thing doesn't help the genuine claimant much does it!

No l am afraid it does not and once certain sections of the media get these stories we then start to get a very distorted and one sided view about Welfare claimants.

Chrysalis · 03-11-2011, 12:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by Osem

http://news.bbc.co.uk/panorama/hi/fr...00/9630233.stm

This sort of thing doesn't help the genuine claimant much does it!

The question has to be asked again tho, what is the bbcs agenda?

yet another documentary on benefit fraud.

yet the one they did for the other side of the fence was only aired in scotland.

also the bbc is quoting wrong information again stating a very vague experts as source.

Quote:

Experts estimate that Â£4bn of taxpayers' money is being lost to benefit fraud, tax credit fraud and social housing scams in the UK each year.

osborne stated right after the election 5 billion was lost to fraud but then was corrected down to 1.5billion (across the entire benefit system) with the other 3.5 lost to admin errors. So curious how the bbc has got a 4 billion figure.

I will say as well the bbc is the news agency who have refused to print stories regarding unfair treatment of claimants and correct articles stating its not in the public's interests.