I have worked hard all my life and paid my taxes - taxes which are used to pay for such situations as mentioned. I have no problem at all with people who truly need these benefits claiming them - that is what we pay our taxes for. We look after each other (or at least we should) as we all have times when we need this extra help.

I'm afraid, however, that I have a real problem with people fraudulently obtaining benefits. But it is such a difficult situation to be in when the person committing the fraud is a friend. If they are a friend, then you should be able to sit down and let them know that what they are doing is illegal and not something that you agree with. I know for me if I did this and my friend still continued to commit the fraud, then I am afraid that they would no longer be someone that I would want to call friend. I would then have no problem at all in reporting them.

Good luck - I hope you find a solution that you feel happy with.

Janie xxx