I've come to thinking: there's no method which makes the system fairly accessible to all those who need support, which also doesn't allow for some level of exploitation by bad actors. As the level of fraud is reduced to zero by tests and policies, more deserved beneficiaries of the system are shut out.

I actually still get a bit more upset over benefit fraud than tax fraud, as (disclaimer) my family are beneficiaries due to my brothers autism - the hours and stress required to successfully navigate the system cannot be underestimated. Most recipients of disability payments etc will tell you it is a full-time job. The moral failure of benefit fraud is paid for twice - once materially by the taxpayer, again spiritually by the recipient. For me, another argument for the qualitative moral and social components of education - which seems to have been stripped away of late... A rant for another time!

> I've come to thinking: there's no method which makes the system fairly accessible to all those who need support, which also doesn't allow for some level of exploitation by bad actors.

Basic income for everyone would be one way, but that brings its own set of issues and challenges with it

Yes, I have also known one person to be avoid taxes, which IMHO is just as bad as claiming. The thing about tax avoidance is it's possible to be 'respectable' and still get away with it - 'my accountant deals with all that stuff...'. Actually claiming benefits generally provokes a social stigma, and the amount of money involved is far less.

I agree we need to concentrate more on tax avoidance. Particularly since any welfare state is going to be abused by a minority of some people - that is not a good reason to create a totally ineffective welfare state - that is part of the price we pay for it unfortunately.

Or as in the case of the current elected president of the United States, not paying taxes is "smart". The hypocrisy of worrying about someone "stealing" maybe £30k a year in benefits in order to support a very average (lower middle class) lifestyle vs those who avoid millions in tax when already wealthier than the vast majority of the country is insane.

I think people are social animals who often find it easier to understand a concrete thing like a "no-goodnik thief" as opposed to a MNC with complex possibly legal? or not? tax loophole abusing ability