Letter: Feeling the heat

Sir: The failure to investigate fully the extent of benefits fraud ("MPs defy Darling over benefit fraud", 5 February) prompts me to report another instance.

My wife received her winter fuel allowance, a cheque for pounds 20, last month, as the only member of our household qualifying; a week later I received pounds 20 on the same terms.

My phone call to the Benefits Agency met with the response that its computer must have failed to detect that we live at the same address (we have been here for 12 years); and that I could keep the money or return it - "some do return it".

PETER HILL

Tanworth-in-Arden, Warwickshire