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Commons Crisis - a Window on the Soul of Britain?

The recent scandal in the House of Commons has clearly shocked and angered a lot people. At least some of the expense claims exposed have been widely regarded as fraudulent, and few people will lament the exit of the politicians guilty of them.

The purpose of democracy is to produce political leaders who are servants of the people, and representative of the people they serve. Participation in fraud probably isn't what most people would have in mind when they think of representation. But the sad truth is that events in the House are depressingly typical of what is happening in Britain today.

Consider these figures:
  • In 2004, UK identity fraud is estimated to have cost £1.7 billion (Source: Association of Fraud Examiners)
  • Corporate fraud costs UK businesses £40 million per day (Source: Corporate Fraud Solutions)
  • Car insurance fraud costs the insurance industry over £1.6 billion per year (Source: Royal Sun Alliance)
  • In 2004-5, HM Revenue and Customs estimate that almost £1.2 billion was paid in tax credit claims that were either erroneous or fraudulent
  • Overall, fraud costs each UK household £650 per year (Source: Norwich Union)
The majority of us who have never participated in criminal activities may be shocked and angered by those figures, just as we are by recent events in government. But before you point the finger, stop and think. Have you ever twisted the rules and pushed the boundaries when making a tax or insurance claim? Or played down your role in a car accident? Or sold a dodgy car and concealed its true condition?

Every journey starts with a small step. Maybe our elected leaders are actually more representative of us than we realised. Just not quite in the way we would have chosen!

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