22 - No hiding place for benefit fraudsters in Dudley

 

Edith Powell aged 72 and Carol Brittain aged 53, pleaded guilty to benefit fraud offences when they appeared at Dudley Magistrates Court on May 15.

 

Mrs Powell’s claim for housing and council tax benefits was investigated following an anonymous tip off, which reported that her grandson was living with her.

 

The council used its powers to watch Mrs Powell’s property in Dock Lane, Dudley, enabling council fraud officers to prove the tip off was correct.

 

In a subsequent interview with council fraud officers, Mrs Powell confessed to having her grandson living with her for more than two years. She fraudulently claimed more than £3,500 from the council between October 2005 and November 2007.  Magistrates fined Powell £200 and ordered her to pay £150 towards the council’s costs.

 

Carol Brittain’s claim for housing benefit and council tax benefit came under suspicion when electronic data comparisons between government departments alerted the council that details it held were suspect.

 

During questioning by fraud officers, Mrs Brittain of Cox Road, Coseley, confessed to having two jobs as well as the fact that her husband had returned to live with her.

 

Brittain falsely claimed more than £7,000 in housing benefit and council tax benefit between December 2004 and May 2007.  Magistrates ordered Brittain to carry out 100 hours community service and repay £150 costs to the council.

 

Meanwhile at Halesowen Magistrates Court on 12 May 2008, Robert Williams, aged 56 of Leabank Road, Netherton, pleaded guilty to benefit fraud offences. 

 

Following a report from the Department of Work and Pensions, the council carried out an investigation on Mr Williams for failing to declare employment whilst claiming housing and council tax benefit.

 

When questioned by council fraud officers, Mr Williams denied being employed and refused to provide his bank details. Following this refusal, the council used legal powers to obtain the bank details. These details showed that payments were being paid into his account from two different employers.

 

As Mr Williams had not declared his employment to the council, he falsely claimed more than £2,000 in housing and council tax benefit between August 2003 and August 2004.  Magistrates imposed an 18-month conditional discharge and Mr Williams was ordered to pay £100 costs.

 

The council is seeking recovery of all the overpaid benefit.

 

“Those who are suspected of committing benefit fraud leave the council with little alternative. We will use our powers to carry out surveillance or to access personal records such as bank and building society accounts.  Computers that compare information between government databases are working around the clock. Benefit fraudsters should take note because it is only a matter of time before we catch up with them.”

 

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