DLA is an easy touch for some claimants

As with other benefits, such as Carer’s Allowance, there are many well deserving claimants whose circumstances merit DLA support from the taxpayer. However, it must also be said that DLA, like other benefits, is an easy touch for a great many claimants who have no hesitation in taking all they can get at the expense of those who feel a moral duty to work.

Within a few hundred yards of my home, there are four DLA claimants who qualified for the benefit many years ago when they suffered from arthritis. In each case, however, the claimants have had highly successful, corrective orthopaedic surgery some years ago. A lamentable lack of joined up government means that the benefits office have never been told about these cases with the result that they still get benefits such as free car tax, with no questions asked.

With 1 in 12 now being paid DLA, it is high time regular, rigorous checks were made on claimants’ ongoing eligibility - not just for DLA but the numerous other benefits which are so often abused. Unfortunately this would mean hassle for many genuine claimants but the alternative is to accept that the bottom of the benefits barrel is in sight.

CC, County Londonderry