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Drivers who fraudulently claim unemployment benefits while working now have less to fear...
by Amanda Bradbury
The Department of Social Security has barred benefit fraud detection officers from roadside LGV spot checks. A leaked document from the DSS Benefits Agency's Leeds headquarters dated 21 November says: "We do not have powers to compel drivers to answer questions. It is quite possible (if they continue) that an action for damages against the Benefits Agency might result. These spot checks can only be described as 'fishing expeditions'.
"The Freight Transport Association has complained about the fact that their drivers have been questioned by Benefits Agency Sector Fraud staff after answering routine questions put by the police," it adds.
One D55 benefit fraud inspector asks what the FTA had to fear: "Surely it is in the interests of trade associations that unfair competition arising out of the employment of drivers claiming benefit should be stamped out?"
Lancashire police confirm that the DSS has pulled out of a multi-agency check to be mounted in the county; a spokesman describes the decision as disappointing.
A spokesman for Essex police, who invited officers from the Southend branch of the DSS to a check on 15 November says he is amazed by the decision. The police/ VI/Customs/ DSS check forced five drivers to withdraw or modify thei clair benefit m
thes, saving taxpayer t 12,000.
Charges are rarely brought by the police following questioning by fraud detection officers during checks; answering questions put by DSS officers is described by the police as voluntary. The DSS usually attempts to persuade the driver to sign off or amend his claim on the spot.