Three residents prosecuted for benefit
fraud
Three Harlow residents, who together received more than £15,000
in benefits to which they were not entitled, have been sentenced by
magistrates.
Paul Baldwin (28) of Gibson Court, Bishopsfield failed to tell
the Council when he got a full-time job and stopped claiming
jobseekers allowance. He received £2,082.06 in Housing benefit and
£180.18 in Council Tax benefit which he was not entitled to between
August 2008 and 16 November 2008.
Daniel Glover (40) of Albert Gardens failed to notify the
Council that his circumstances had changed after he received more
than £20,000 from a family house sale. He received £2,813.25 in
Housing benefit and £374.37 in Council Tax benefit he was not
entitled to between November 2007 and May 2008.
Henry Penn (70) of Wharley Hook made false statements when
making benefit claims despite having more than £20,000 in an
undisclosed bank account. He received £8,860.42 in Housing benefit
and £1,203.06 in Council Tax benefit he was not entitled to between
April 2003 and February 2009.
All three pleaded guilty at Harlow Magistrates' Court on 19 May
in cases bought by Harlow Council. Mr. Glover was given a Community
Punishment for 12 months to complete 150 hours of unpaid work and
ordered to pay £395 towards costs. Mr. Penn was given the same
sentence. Mr. Baldwin was given a Conditional Discharge for 12
months and ordered to pay £395 towards costs. Arrangements will
also be made for the overpaid money to be paid back.
Councillor Simon Carter, Chairman of the Council’s Policy &
Resources Committee, said: “Harlow Council takes benefit fraud
extremely seriously. Making false benefit claims is effectively
stealing money from taxpayers.
“Harlow Council will always prosecute anyone who tries to take
advantage of a system that is designed to help those who are most
in need. It’s important that people contact the Council when their
circumstances change as this could affect the benefits they are
receiving. In some cases people could be entitled to more
benefit.”
Benefit fraud can be reported to the Council, anonymously on
(01279) 446474 or (01279) 446655 or by email at fraud@harlow.gov.uk
If the circumstances of residents claiming housing or council
tax benefit change they must tell the Council otherwise they could
be committing benefit fraud.
Ends