Following yesterday’s condemnation by Island Labour of the police operation which stopped drivers on the Isle of Wight who were then questioned by benefit fraud investigators and council officers, Cllr David Pugh, with his IW Conservatives hat on, got in touch with a response.
Cllr David Pugh told On The Wight, “The culture of benefit dependency soared under the Labour Government, so it is little surprise that their local representatives are opposed to firm action to tackle benefit fraud.
“The Island Conservatives fully support the crackdown to identify potential fraud cases, and we will continue to support IW Council officers and other agencies in taking such steps.”
25 benefit fraud investigations sparked by the operation
He went on to say, “The fact that 25 benefit fraud investigations were sparked by the operations shows that this has been a worthwhile exercise. These could amount to 25 thefts of taxpayers’ money which may not have been identified if the Island Labour Party had their way. It is clear whose side they are on.
“All hard-working, honest Island taxpayers should have nothing to fear from such operations continuing to take place in order to identify the small minority of people who are abusing the benefits system.”
