Kicking people when they’re down is getting to be something of a routine with Boston Borough Council – even though the reason that a lot of us are down has much to do with the present political and economic climate.

In recent months we have continued to suffer pay freezes – or even cuts – and seen reductions in the services that cost small fortune at both local and county level.
So it feels like someone is rubbing salt into the wound when Boston Borough Council buys space in one of our local “newspapers” to warn us – “Times may be hard, but don’t become a criminal.”
It goes on to say: “With changes in some benefits now taking effect and consequent reductions in payments, recipients are advised that the last thing they should consider is trying to cheat the system.
“Benefit cheats end up in court, and there are now new methods employed with cross-checking of data by all agencies involved in processing claims.”
It goes on to detail a recent case which saw a Boston woman given a 12-week suspended prison sentence after being convicted of benefit fraud – and continues in stern tones …
“Criminal convictions have massive implications for a person's ability to lead a full life …
“The majority of employers will ask about previous convictions and four million Criminal Record Bureau checks are carried out every year in England and Wales. If a person lies about their convictions it is a criminal offence.
“If a person has a job and is sent to prison it is very likely they will lose that job, but even if they are not jailed it is possible to be dismissed for gross misconduct.
“There can be difficulties in getting visas or entering certain countries for those with previous convictions. In particular, travelling to the USA can be an issue.”
Stuff like this follows the line that Boston Borough Council takes when dealing with its punters.
In the past, we have seen such headlines as: ““There will be no hiding place for any who spoil the streets of Boston …”  “Litter louts – we’re watching you” … “Your waste: Your responsibility. Waste cowboys could land you with a fine and a criminal record …”  “Don't get caught without a TV licence …” the list goes on and on.
Although the numbers involved in benefit fraud run into millions of pounds, the fact is that in 2011/12 it is estimated that nationally just 2.1 per cent of total benefit expenditure was overpaid due to fraud and error, the same as the 2010/11 estimate.
There will always be people who try to cheat the system – and whilst some will do so because of greed, or because they want to put one over on the system, there will be other who do so as a last resort.
These people need help, advice and encouragement – not bullying and threats.
Nor such sledgehammer phrases from the council such as “those who try to cheat the system are often not aware of the fraud detection tools that enable the council to detect fraud. They are able to identify undeclared people at properties and receive data matches to show when earnings, savings and pensions have not been declared. The council also uses impressive technologies to spot those who try to cheat the system …
“All housing benefit claimants and council tax support applicants are required to notify relevant changes … such as increases in earnings or changes to household members and failure to do so could result in prosecution and heavy financial penalties.”
And after all the threats and heavy handed bluster, the sole lifeline thrown to readers of this piece is: “If you are in difficulties because of changes to your benefits please contact the benefits and council tax section. They can help.”
The feeling that we get is that the only sort of help available is help to find the quickest route to prison, or to receive swingeing fines that add still further to a person’s financial difficulties.
There are ways to approach these problems, and the Boston Borough Council way is the wrong one.
A more sensitive approach and a more humane face beats threats every time.
As the anonymous sage once said: “It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice.”

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