Employment & Social Security wants to toughen up the penalties for fraudulent benefit claims.
The Committee says the current maximum penalties are too low compared to other jurisdictions.
It wants all cases to be heard in either the Magistrate’s or Royal Court with maximum fines increased to £20,000, and imprisonment ranging from two to three years depending on the number of offences.
The maximum period of imprisonment would also be increased to seven years, if the States backs the changes.
Deputy Tina Bury, President of ESS, said while most benefit claims are made in good faith, fraudulent claims “must be met with penalties that meet the seriousness of the offence.
“By aligning Guernsey’s sentencing powers with those of the UK and Jersey we are sending a clear message that benefit fraud is no less serious than any other type of fraud.
“If the Committee’s proposals are approved by the States, the courts will continue to impose a sentence that fits the crime, but they will have the freedom to appropriately punish the most serious offenders.”
ESS noted that cases carrying the maximum penalties are expected to be rarer.
But it hopes more severe penalties will act as a deterrent.