Legal News

Kent County Council’s internal audit team and Dover District Council’s Civil Enforcement Team have held a Blue Badge anti-fraud day in Dover and Deal – and found that out of 41 drivers stopped, four were not using a Blue Badge correctly.

The day of action to tackle Blue Badge fraud took place on Thursday, 17 September.

Council officers found that of the four people using a Blue Badge incorrectly, some were displaying another person’s badge when the badge holder was not present – while others were displaying another person’s badge intending to collect them from a location later in the day.

Enforcement officers also removed from circulation four Blue Badges which had expired.

Misuse of a Blue Badge, or allowing another person to use it, can lead to a fine of up to £1,000 on conviction.

Forging or counterfeiting a Blue Badge attracts a fine of up to £5,000 – and if convicted under the Fraud Act, a community order or custodial sentence of up to a year could be imposed.

Kent County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health Graham Gibbens said:

“These checks are as much about awareness as they are enforcement. The response from the public was positive, with people welcoming the checks.

“We want to ensure people are using the scheme correctly – and we will clamp down on anyone trying to cheat the system.”

Duncan Lewis Benefit Fraud Solicitors

Duncan Lewis benefit fraud solicitors can advise at any stage of a charge involving benefit fraud or Blue Badge fraud.

There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide and a benefit fraud solicitor can attend interviews with the DWP, council fraud officers or at a police station to advise on fraud charges.

For expert legal advice on all benefit fraud charges, call Duncan Lewis benefit fraud solicitors on 020 7923 4020.

For 24/7 help at a police station, call the Duncan Lewis Emergency Hotline on 020 7275 2036.