Benefits Street sparks Ofcom probe after 1,800 complaints

Complaints included concerns about misleading portrayal of benefit claimants

Channel 4’s controversial ‘Benefits Street’ is to be investigated by Ofcom

Benefits Street is to be investigated by television watchdog Ofcom, following nearly 1,800 complaints made about the show.

The Channel 4 documentary, which finished its run last week, was heavily criticised for its negative and stereotypical portrayal of people living on benefits, many of whom were shown apparently committing crimes in the first episode.

Benefits Street generated around 960 complaints to Ofcom and another 800 to Channel 4.

The nature of the complaints varied from concerns that the programme portrayed a misleading and offensive picture of benefits claimants, to the way in which the show depicted possible crimes and whether enough was done to protect under-18s on the show.

An Ofcom spokeswoman said: “Following the conclusion of Benefits Street, Ofcom can confirm that it has launched an investigation into the series.”

The documentary sparked anger and threats of violence after the first episode aired in January, with some viewers posting death threats to the show's participants on social media.

Shortly after the show’s debut, Birmingham Police confirmed it had launched two probes in association with the programme, one investigating the apparent crimes committed by the street’s residents, and another looking into the death threats.

James Turner Street residents who appeared on the show also said they had been misled by Channel 4, claiming producers told them they were making a show about community spirit.

Channel 4 denied these claims and said residents were given the chance to see the edited footage before it went out.

A change.org petition urging Channel 4 to stop broadcasting the documentary on the grounds it promoted a "skewed image" and "stirred up hatred" received 60,000 signatures.

But despite the backlash against the show, the documentary was Channel 4's most-watched programme in over a year, attracting 5.2 million viewers at its peak.

Channel 4 has confirmed a second series is in development.