Conservatives & Atos crack down on benefits cheats

[Old Cruser]

Thanks for that Chris, appreciate it and yes I do understand your comments on how it may be possible to amass a sizeable amount of money. I suppose that dealing with finances for three other family members as well as my own

, I get fed up of filling in forms!

Snap!! 

[Pete]

Since my inlaws moved here 2 years ago (aged 89 and 92) I can fully symathise with you guys on that one.

Sometimes it feels like we'll drown in paperwork, especially when we ring up with questions and the person is never in... 

[Alsatian]

Form filling may be like a double edged sword - I am in the process of applying for my 93 year old Mother-in-laws' blue badge to be renewed, and, whereas in previous times it was a simple matter of answering a couple of questions and supplying a recent photograph, it has now changed.

The Govt are trying to reduce the amount of fraud around the Blue Badge scheme (thank goodness) and now, amongst the questions/requirements are:

1. Maiden name (presumably only for female applicants!!)

2. Place/Town of birth

3. Date of birth

Items/forms to include with application:

1. Photo

2. Proof of Identity: - ie Birth Certificate (turned her bungalow upside down and not found it yet - although DCC say it's easy to obtain a duplicate online), Passport, Driving Licence

3. Proof of address: eg Bank Statement

4. Cheque: to the value of £10 - this will be returned uncashed if the application is successful, if not they cash it (to help prevent fraudulent applications)

This may surprise you greatly, but I'm all in favour of this - it should go some way to stamping out the amount of fraud around this scheme.

The one caviat I will make to this is - the next time you see someone displaying a Blue Badge and they get out and seem physically fit (eg no missing limbs/crutches/white stick etc) they may not be abusing the system, as not all disabilities that require a blue badge are visible, they could suffer from a cute angina (   ) chronic heart or lung disease.

[Old Cruser]

@Alsatian, I had all that palava when I filled in my daughters. I didn't particularly mind that form as if it helps stops the 'cheats' it's worth it.

[Alsatian]

@Alsatian, I had all that palava when I filled in my daughters. I didn't particularly mind that form as if it helps stops the 'cheats' it's worth it.

I agree with you 100% on that OC

[chesterfieldchris]

POST DELETED AT USER'S REQUEST

[Alsatian]

Is it still OK to stare daggers at those that get out of their car in a parent and child space without a child?  )

Oh yes!

[Old Cruser]

@ CC defo!!!!