Criminals on benefits to face tougher fine payments - Telegraph.co.uk

"People need to understand if they commit a crime they will face the consequences," he said.

"The system as it stands at the moment is far too soft.

"If you commit a crime and you are on benefits you can no longer expect to get away with paying the bare minimum." Ministry of Justice figures earlier this week showed that one in four of those who appeared in court after the summer riots were on benefits. At least 100 were on disability-related benefits.

Iain Duncan Smith, the Work and Pensions Secretary, suggested that the new fine regime could deter anti-social behaviour.

"The summer riots showed that, for many people, the present system didn't make them think twice about what they were doing," he said.

"I do not want to be in the business of leaving people without any means of supporting themselves.

"But, equally, individuals must know that they cannot commit crimes that impact on the livelihoods and communities of hard working people without consequences." Despite the Government's tough rhetoric, significant curbs on the size of weekly fine payments will remain.

Courts will still have discretion about payments and legal obligations requiring the state to ensure a basic minimum standard of life for all claimants will remain in place.

The changes are part of a government drive to increase penalties for people on benefits who offend.

Suggestions that convicted rioters should lose all benefits have been lauded by some ministers, but face resistance in Whitehall.

Earlier this month, The Daily Telegraph disclosed that Kenneth Clarke, the Justice Secretary, held up proposals advocated by Mr Cameron to strip rioters of their benefits.