Re: should benefit cheats be allowed to be councillors
 

Hardly applicable to a councillor living in Britain. Everyone living here for a few years gets a good idea of what sort of wetaher we have, and it's not extreme. Cold in summer, slightly colder in winter, hardly rapid. :rolleyes:

Re: should benefit cheats be allowed to be councillors
 

It would depend on how long ago it was, their age at the time etc.

This poses an interesting question. Would you vote for a councillor with a conviction for: -

speeding
common assault
domestic violence
GBH
drink driving
driving an untaxed vehicle
theft
drugs (class a)
cannabis

...or maybe an ASBO?

Personally I dont think you can make a generic judgement - the circumstances should be fully investigated and an informed decision should be made by a representative panel of people.

I don't think we at Accyweb will ever be privy to that level of information :(

Suz x.

Re: should benefit cheats be allowed to be councillors
 

Re: should benefit cheats be allowed to be councillors
 

got it in one jambutty, simple as that.;)

Re: should benefit cheats be allowed to be councillors
 

How did you arrive at that conclusion blazey? It could mean they are dishonest in other quarters, I personally think anyone who 'knowingly' cheats the system must be to lazy to work and will try anything to further their greed, except work.

Re: should benefit cheats be allowed to be councillors
 

got it one ianto.w just like the so-called single mothers who have partners.they spoil it for the real single mothers .they fraud the housing benefit and that makes the council tax bills go up.everybody always asks where does all my council tax money goes?the answer is about 45% goes on the scheming thieving housing benefit fraudsters....

Re: should benefit cheats be allowed to be councillors
 

https://secure.dwp.gov.uk/benefitfraud/

I think you can even be anonymous

Re: should benefit cheats be allowed to be councillors
 

It's not the Parkinsons that made it hard, it's the wind catching your floppy fringe that slowed you down :D:D:D

Re: should benefit cheats be allowed to be councillors
 

I'm not too sure Jim. What if a person made a mistake at 16 and got themself a conviction, for arguments sake lets say it was for the theft of a packet of bacon from the Spar.

They then go on to put their past well and truly behind them and at 40 decide they would like to serve the community by standing for election.

Would you say no or would you listen to their case?

Suz x.

Re: should benefit cheats be allowed to be councillors
 

As far as I know, offences committed under the age of 18 do not constitute an adult criminal record.

My opinion of “No person with a criminal record should be allowed to stand for public office” is a point to start from.

I would be open to negotiation if at least ten years had elapsed since the conviction was spent. But the applicant would have to have been of good character during that time without any convictions for non criminal offences, like speeding, parking, drunk and disorderly etc.

Re: should benefit cheats be allowed to be councillors
 

I agree Jim :D

Suz x.