Thomas Cazenave wants to fight public aid fraud “at the source”

Thomas Cazenave left Bercy with a few work documents under his arm. The former Minister of Public Accounts, deputy for Gironde, has not abandoned his project to strengthen the « fight against all public aid fraud » announced in May. This Wednesday he presents in committee a bill aimed at « strengthen the arsenal of administrations to better fight against fraud » and to « hit hard on delinquents ».

While welcoming the progress made against tax and social fraud, the elected official deplores a delay with regard to public aid such as MaPrimeRénov', energy savings certificates (CEE) or even those relating to apprenticeship. In total, 100 billion euros of public funds are paid by different structures more or less equipped to fight against embezzlement. According to estimates made at Bercy, between 700 million and 1.6 billion euros could be « won » thanks to the new legislative arsenal.

The former minister also wants to “guarantee greater cooperation between all services”, prohibit canvassing in all its forms, require companies to inform their customers when they use subcontractors who are not certified

How ? In particular, by authorizing administrations to suspend their payments in the event of indications of fraud, taking time to carry out verifications within three months. Because « aid that has not been paid is aid that will not be recovered »summarizes Thomas Cazenave. It is in fact particularly difficult to recover sums unduly paid once the fraudulent companies have disappeared. A classic, especially in the field of heat pumps.

The former minister also wants « ensure greater cooperation between all services »prohibit canvassing in all its forms, require companies to inform their customers when they use subcontractors who are not certified or even publish the name of the infringing companies.