One for the frothers. My local papers propaganda.

[carernotasaint]

My local the Braintree and Witham Times has a big front page splash this week.

www.braintreeandwithamtimes.co.uk/news/9450803.Braintree__District_s_great_benefits_rip_off/

Inside the actual paper it says that counsellor Doug Rice has said that the best way to "punish" them is to name and shame them.Let their neighbours know what they have been up to. Let people in the local pub or corner shop hear of their dishonesty and talk about them. If the laughable fines and unpaid work do not make them regret their actions,social stigmatism certainly would.
What the fuckity fuck? There are thousands of people already doing unpaid work for their benefits on Mandatory Work Activity and workfare for the likes of Tesco and poundworld. What is the fucking matter with people Why wont they open their eyes?

That link goes to a summary story about Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit.

Does Doug Rice think these are related to workfare or something?

It goes on to say that 13 people were taken to court and "let off" without a fine. The article does not actually say that they were found guilty. I think its more a case of what the article is NOT saying.

OK, for the year 2011-12, Braintree's budget for benefits, tax collection and finances will be £4.7 million.

So HB and CTB fraud of £53 K will be 1.1% of that part of the budget (but check my working as I make stupid mistakes).

Write a nice letter/email for publications saying that £53 K is still £53 K too much, but congratulating them on their low percentage rate of fraud? While regretting that it is still more than double the national fraud rate on DLA of around 0.5%?

Important to give perspective, if you feel up to it. The message at the mo is FRAUD FRAUD ALL IS FRAUD...

What i quoted was from the editorial comment inside the paper.

Thanks Nilgiri. That should put it in perspective for them