A Taxing problem ...?

Question

Why is it that the targeting of anti-fraud measures are aimed at the most vulnerable members of society?

I am referring to the campaign by the DWP to bring to heel those that would attempt to and actively defraud the Benefits system.

Whilst there is no noteworthy similar campaigns waged against those who perpetrate Tax evasion, VAT carousel fraud and those that make use of illegally imported labour from the European Union?

Is it basically that the Government is either so incompetent that it cant or so morally and financially bankrupt, its prepared to turn a 'blind eye' to these crimes and instead demonising the most poorest and most vulnerable groups of society?

Of course benefit fraud should be discouraged, investigated and wherever practical a full prosecution brought against the offender, but you dont see many Sole Traders, Company Directors etc being treated in similar fashion.

Read this first..
http://society.guardian.co.uk/comment/story/0,,1986254,00.html

I'm not condoning benefit or another type of fraud.

I just find it amusing/perplexing that the mass media is all to quick and generally incorrectly assuming that anyone on any state benefit is living a lifestyle out of reach of most of its readers.

Whilst in the same instance middle classes are getting spit roasted from both ends by paying out taxes because they cant afford fancy lawyers and accountants to minimise there tax liabilities and there paying out Income Tax and National Insurance contributions to shore up the welfare of those that are unable, unwilling or ill-qualified to go into some sort of paid employment.

In the meantime big businesses are greasing the right palms to keep investigations from uncovering incriminating activities.

Answer 1

I agree with you wholeheartedly

The poorer members of our society are easy targets, whereas the top two % can afford to employ the best lawyers and accountants and easily avoid paying the necessary tax on their income.

It appears that the Government, as usual, look after their friends and only target the impoverished.

I can"t condone benefit fraud, but there should be a level playing field for "all" members of society.

Very interesting link by the way.

Answer 2

The goverment are always investigating other frauds, but it boils down to getting the real big players, remember how many people are actually getting benefit, and therefore could defraud, compared to vat fraud etc. If you don't break the law you have nothing to fear! Other complex frauds as mentioned people full well know what they are doing, would they waste advertising costs on them.

Answer 3

Because the disenfranchised are dilute, they can't concentrate their power, so the politicians have no reason to fear that their actions will hurt them in the polls.
Big business on the other hand is powerful and well-connected.

Answer 4

Morality and government don't necessarily have much to do with each other.