Benefit Compliance Officer Visit??

TOBRUK

andyandflo wrote: »

Am I not correct that they have to advise of the reason for the visit beforehand and what evidence they have to substantiate the enquiry? Personally, I would not wish to discuss/be interviewed without legal representation. This would avoid the risk of the officer coming along on a 'fishing' expedition.

I am sure that my solicitor (son in law) would want to talk to them first before any interview. Or is that only in the case of formal recorded interviews where you will be cautioned in accordance with PACE procedures?

I will ask him in the morning when he comes round for coffee and let you know.

I have absolutely no idea what the procedures are regarding allowing them to visit without explanation. I suppose I could have phoned and asked what the reason was but why would I? As far as I was concerned they wanted to see me regarding something and why would I object?

He did ask me whether I'd received a letter about his visit as everywhere he'd visited that day there was no-one in - obviously people were avoiding him ... I wonder why?!!

Sam___ wrote: »

It's not an interview under caution, so no representation is required but if you start messing them about by not complying then it could end up that way. If you've nothng to hide then what's the problem in letting them in?

and if this son in law is the same person who gives you all you're other pearls of wisdom, I'd be taking any advice from him with a huge pinch of salt...

Exactly Sam, I wasn't unduely worried about the visit, obviously I did wonder why I was having a visit but I didn't have anything to hide! When he was here I even asked him whether he wanted to see my bank accounts etc. When he informed me that I owed them overpayments I couldn't understand how this could be. He soon discovered that they had made a mistake as one department hadn't passed on information to another in the same office!

annies_mum

sh1305 wrote: »

IB & DLA aren't income based, if that's what you mean?

Thats what i thought, so why would the visit be in connection with B/F staying over?

MissMoneypenny

sh1305 wrote: »

IB & DLA aren't income based, if that's what you mean?

What about SMI (if there is a mortgage on the property)?

Roxi-rocket wrote: »

I have real problems with my stairs & hope to move but with the market as it is it would be impossible just now.

andyandflo

Sam___ wrote: »

It's not an interview under caution, so no representation is required but if you start messing them about by not complying then it could end up that way. If you've nothng to hide then what's the problem in letting them in?

and if this son in law is the same person who gives you all you're other pearls of wisdom, I'd be taking any advice from him with a huge pinch of salt...

It was only a question!

But obviously we all have rights whether you are cautioned or not. One of the points I was bringing up was to find out first what the subject of the enquiry was. The last thing anybody needs is an officer going out on a 'fishing' expedition. With the knowledge of what they want to discuss, then you are better placed to be able to discuss matters.

As for the scaring comment that if you don't comply we will make it official and you will be cautioned type of answer, that is nothing more than a veiled threat of worse to come if you do not co-operate!

I do hope that the German SS has not reached our shores!!

Sorry, but until somebody tells me what they want to talk to me about in any official capacity, then I will refuse to discuss it any further - I have that right.

Even better, under caution you are protected and they have to disclose the subject matter beforehand and any and all evidence they wish to present: so in that case I would welcome a more formal interview instead. It would certainly make me feel more secure!

Where on earth do you get the right to say that about my son in law? That is one step too far, and if you wish to make those comments/insinuations, please feel free to do so direct to him. I will let you have his email address if you so wish.