With reference to your two letter-writers who thought community punishment was a joke and crime pays, it is the role of the council to stop fraudsters from illegally claiming housing benefits. And it is the role of the anti-fraud team to investigate fraudulent claims and ensure illegal claimants are taken to court. It is the courts who set the punishment, so if Councillor Mepstead thinks crime pays, she should raise this issue with the relevant authorities.

Councillor Chris Roberts

Leader of Greenwich Council

December 12, 2001 12:22