Petition · Home Office
Mandate a minimum 2-year prison sentence for benefit fraud & penalise offenders
Closed
82 signatures
What the petition asks
We urge the Government to pass a law that:
1. Mandates a minimum 2-year prison sentence for anyone guilty of benefit fraud.
2. Bans any further benefit claims for offenders for 5 years.
3. Removes criminals’ passports who travelled abroad with stolen money for 10 years.
1. Mandates a minimum 2-year prison sentence for anyone guilty of benefit fraud.
2. Bans any further benefit claims for offenders for 5 years.
3. Removes criminals’ passports who travelled abroad with stolen money for 10 years.
We feel there are disparities in the scale of fraud and sentencing. We believe too many criminals are given suspended sentences, including repeat offenders. We believe this undermines people in genuine need and alienates the taxpayers in supporting welfare. We believe the welfare budget is out of control with no deterrent to fraud. We believe there must be a deterrent to demotivate offenders and encourage them to find work to improve their lives, not steal from the taxpayer.
Timeline
| 24 Sep 2025 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 24 Mar 2026 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
82
Status
Closed
Department
Home Office
Opened
24 Sep 2025
Closed
24 Mar 2026
Follow this petition
Sign in to get an email when the government responds, a debate is scheduled or held, or the petition closes.
Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Aug 2026.