AS a bailiff working for various local authorities to recover unpaid taxes, I can regrettably, fully understand, that after expensive and exhaustive inquiries have failed, the cheapest option is to write off these debts.

In the vast majority of these cases the debtors are untraceable. These people have not just vanished -- they quite simply know how to play the benefits game.

They know that, as long as they remain unidentified, they cannot be interviewed or brought to justice, for in some cases, thousands of pounds owing.

During these inquiries we learn of the multiple 'c/o' addresses, debtors being out of the country for weeks, sometimes months at a time and, of course, all those who can't pay if you find them because they are away tanning themselves in Corfu -- fact, not opinion.

So why can't local authorities take action with the Benefits Agency to immediately suspend all benefits? Because, believe me, as soon as this happens, these 'ghosts' will miraculously make themselves known.

Name and address received