Re: Disadvantaged Groups.
All the fact and figures you need to find; Disability in the United Kingdom. Papworth Trust Report of 2011.
Disability is strongly related to age:2.1% of 16-19 years olds are recorded as having a disability;31% for those between 50-59 years;and 78% of people aged 85 or over.
One staggering and painful fact is, there are 200 babies born each week with learning difficulties!
http://www.papworth.org.uk/downloads/factsandfigures_disabilityintheuk_july2011_110721132605.pdf What about the ones who are claiming they are disabled, they will be caught out with this bedroom tax.am sure there are some claiming for example heart problems etc when theres nothing wrong with them.
I think anyone claiming for heart problems, without having a heart problem can explain that away and blame their doctors for wrong diagnosis. Hardly think that's likely Candlyfloss, neither do I think there are many who are cheeting the benefit system, in this area at least,probably minimal numbers.
However, the following is on WMBC website and it does state that the council is aware of the high risk of fraud.
Benefit Fraud
Wirral Council administers Housing and Council Tax Benefit to approximately 40,000 customers at any one time.
If you wish to report fraud, you can do it online. You can also text us on 07786 202 304, starting your message with 'fraud'.
The Council is committed to providing this service in a professional manner and aims to deliver the correct amount of benefit entitlement to the correct people the first time round.
The Council is aware of the high risk from fraud, error or irregularity within the benefit system and that it is necessary to protect the public purse from abuse.
To manage this risk we have established a team of highly trained officers dedicated to identifying, investigating and preventing fraud.
It is the purpose of the team to investigate allegations of fraud and take legal action against people found committing fraud.
Through our Fraud Team, we seek to recover all overpayments and use different sources to find out about fraud including:
•the public
•the police
•local and national Government departments.
If anyone is found committing fraud, then there are a number of penalties that can be applied. In some cases, prosecutions can result in prison sentences being imposed.
Successful prosecutions may be reported to the media and on the Council's website. See Wirral's prosecution policy.
Our Counter Fraud Team operates within Data Protection and Human Rights legislation when investigating fraudulent claims.