Benefit Scrounging Through Books – Miss Write

This is an actual email I received from a former colleague a few years back. 

——–

Hi,

In view of the cold weather, XXXX County Council are making  one off emergency cash payments from 14 libraries to those in need of fuel on a one off emergency basis:

(Here they list the libraries allegedly taking part)

All libraries are open Saturdays and Sundays as well as during the week. (Hoorah for libraries!)

Customers will need to come with

Proof of identity
Proof of accommodation
A fuel bill or details of your energy supplier

They will receive £20 in cash. This is a one off payment.

………………This hasn’t been advertised but it is legit. There are no criteria only that people are in need of fuel (as in saying you do!). 

(I’m going to my local library for my £20!)

Your Benefit Scrounging Acquaintance 

(Ok, it wasn’t signed like that, but I have to make the point – again!)

——-

We do all love libraries and the services they provide, but this is taking the biscuit!

The person who emailed me has a full-time job, lives with her family rent-free and doesn’t pay bills. She doesn’t even drive to count ‘fuel’ as petrol. She’s just after a quick £20 bonus (“my” £20) at the Council tax payers expense (of which she is not one due to her living arrangements.  

My light-hearted seemingly library-loving reply to my colleague was as follows:

At least borrow a book while you’re visiting the library! 😉

Note the wink I added to soften the blow – never mind it’s sarcastic! 
Her reply:

Why?! 

I replied:

‘Cos that that’s what libraries are for and I could recommend a couple of books if you wanted…

…But it didn’t go down too well! I think that was the end of our semi-friendly office relationship!

The fact that these emergency fuel payments are for those people in serious financial need, for people who cannot afford to heat their homes, completely escaped her moral compass. She was off to the library to claim the money ‘just because’ she could.

Obviously, I think the libraries in question needed to ensure they see something that proves the people claiming are struggling to pay their bills (e.g. a final demand). I should have gone along to see what they were asking for as proof, there must have been something. The fact that £20 won’t cover half of a utility bill in this day and age is another issue – makes me wonder how legit this scheme was back in 2014… 

And certain people need to get a grip and realise the bigger picture and not take advantage of a benefit they’re not entitled because they reckon they can cash-in. The welfare safety net we’re lucky enough to have in this country is there to support those who cannot support themselves in their hour(s) of need, for whatever reason. 

This is part of what is wrong with today’s “Benefit Britain”. Anyone dare to disagree?!

Rant over.

Lou x

Find me on Facebook
… And on Twitter
Born To Be A Tourist

Image courtesy of Women Health Info