Date: 08/09/2009
High Peak Borough Council (HPBC) successfully prosecuted 2 cases of benefit fraud at Buxton Magistrates Court on Friday 4 September.
In the first prosecution, Patrick Singleton (aged 21) of 2A Concert Place, Buxton pleaded guilty to falsely receiving housing benefit of £2944.32 and council tax benefit of £534.96 between 10 September 2007 and 1 February 2009.
The offences were committed because he failed to declare to the Housing Benefit office that his earnings from the 'Lone Star' Restaurant in Buxton had increased. Anyone claiming benefits is required to notify the Council if there is a 'change in circumstances'.
When his case came up for review, he continued to lie about his reduced wage and supplied a false document from his employer to cover up the fact that he had been receiving increased earnings. He was interviewed and admitted the offence.
Singleton received a Community Order to do unpaid work up to a maximum of 80 hours and was ordered to pay £350.00 costs. He will also have to pay back all of the overpaid benefit money he falsely received from the Council.
In the second case, the Borough Council and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) successfully prosecuted Paula Haynes (aged 45) of 57A Berwick Road, Harpur Hill, Buxton who pleaded guilty to falsely receiving income support of £1139.13, housing benefit of £557.27 and council tax benefit of £171.46 between 14 July 2008 and 7 December 2008.
Again, the offences were committed because she failed to report to the Housing Benefit office and the DWP a change in her circumstances, namely that she started work for 'Management Recruitment Consultants' whilst continuing to receive housing benefit, council tax benefit and income support.
Haynes received 60 hours Community Order for unpaid work and was ordered to pay £100 costs in addition to repaying the monies owed to HPBC and DWP.
Emily Thrane, Executive Councillor for Corporate Services, said: "These latest prosecutions demonstrate how the Council will not tolerate benefit cheats. Working closely with our partners ensures that cases of benefit fraud are identified. If you think that somebody might be claiming benefits to which they are not entitled please call our fraud hotline."
If you know anybody who is claiming housing benefit or council tax benefit falsely, you can phone High Peak Borough Council' dedicated fraud hotline on 01298 28433. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO LEAVE YOUR NAME.
The Department for Work and Pensions' Hotline is 0800 854440 and their Local Office number is 01298 306937/8.