When 10,000 so-called punishments are meted out to one group in Southampton in just two years, then there are questions to be asked.

Pointedly: are the punishments being handed out too easily, or are those on the receiving end hardened to their lifestyle.

The punishments in question have been meted out to those on benefits in the form of sanctions imposed for breaking regulations. Those who supposedly dodge job centre appointments or seeking a job are penalised in a variety of ways, including having some of their benefits docked.

Without a doubt the punishments are hard, but are they fair? Today this paper reports that a committee of MPs has asked just those questions and they are right to do so. Few would argue that the benefits bill to the taxpayer – some £94 billion to those of working age each year – should be policed carefully. But most would also argue that only those who truly flout the regulations should be harshly penalised.

The timing of the report will no doubt push the payment of benefits to the top of the political agenda again in the run up to the General Election. But at the heart of those huge figures we should remember there are individuals.