20 - Benefit fraudster pleads guilty

Sophisticated data matching techniques landed a cheat, who falsely claimed almost £1,000 in council tax benefit, a court bill of almost £400.

 

Robert Butler aged 52 of Bournes Hill, Halesowen, pleaded guilty at the town’s magistrates court to benefit fraud on June 11.

 

He was fined £100 and ordered to pay the council’s £295 costs.

 

His actions were uncovered when computerised data matching between different government databases alerted the council that Butler’s personal circumstances had changed.

 

Following an interview with fraud staff, Butler admitted he had been working and had not informed the council.

 

Butler’s fraudulent claim for council tax benefit netted him just under £1,000 between April 2006 and July 2007. 

 

The overpaid benefit has been repaid.

 

Councillor Anne Millward, cabinet member for finance, said:

 

“This is another example of our commitment to prosecute anyone who commits benefit fraud.

 

“Data matching techniques are getting more sophisticated, it’s only a matter of time before those committing benefit fraud are caught out.”

 

Residents should report cases of suspected fraud, in confidence, to the council’s benefit fraud investigation team 24-hour hotline on 01384 815635, or use the online form on the council’s website www.dudley.gov.uk.