Almost 2,000 people have been found to be wrongly claiming a discount on their Council Tax - recouping Cheshire East Council £500,000 per year.
The authority contacted residents who claim a single person discount of 25 percent after information collated during an audit suggested at least one other adult was living at the address.
Those found to have been wrongly claiming the discount were issued with a bill for the outstanding amount backdated to April 1 2010 – an average of £250 per person.
The audit, which cost the Council £80,000, will result in £500,000 extra income every year.
It was carried out by specialist company Northgate which worked with credit information group Experian to check personal details against a national database.
Claimants were asked to confirm whether they still lived alone, and if not, to give the details of the additional people living at their address. Those who failed to respond were issued with a backdated bill.
Councillor Wesley Fitzgerald, Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Resources, said: “The single person discount system is designed for those who genuinely need extra help. Sadly, there are a few people who are prepared to abuse it.
“Withdrawing the discount from 2,000 fraudulent claimants will generate an additional £500,000 every year which can be invested in essential services."
The government puts this council tax discount fraud at a national total of £50m.
But the Audit Commission has estimated that up to 6% of claims for the council tax discount are fraudulent. That could mean 400,000 of the 7.25m single-households are bogus. Moves to stamp out false claims for the single person's discount are expected to save the public purse up to £100m a year.
29 Nov 2010
We can't have the benefit reforms we want
Swiss voters have accepted a referendum proposal for the automatic expulsion of non-Swiss citizens for certain crimes, an exit poll suggests.
Of course we couldn't do that here, because of the Human Rights Act and the EU. Another reason to be discontented if you're an ANTI.
And housing benefit reforms are to be delayed even though they're popular.
The proposals have attracted widespread public support in opinion polls. However, the decision to stagger the changes reflects a growing realisation by ministers that Labour could exploit the changes to attack Tory and Lib Dem councillors in local elections next year.
26 Nov 2010
Benefit thieves across the land
Nicola Berbillion, from Tonyrefail, has admitted claiming a total of £20,224 in benefits she was not entitled to when she failed to declare that she was sharing a house with her partner. The judge jailed her for six months, but suspended it for two years as otherwise her partner would have had to give up his job to look after the children. She was given a community order with supervision for six months, and ordered to carry out 120 hours’ unpaid work. She was also ordered to pay £250 costs.
Another single person fraud. Elizabeth Smedley from Shirebrook claimed almost £12,400 in benefits as a single parent whilst failing to declare her employed partner had been living with her. She was given a 4 months suspended prison sentence, a Community Order to undertake 180 hours unpaid work over the next 12 months, a two month Curfew and ordered to pay £500 costs, also over the next 12 months.
A Longnor pensioner has been jailed for six months for claiming nearly £30,000 in benefits over a 13-year period while working as a company director.
Michael Lawrence, a drug baron who spent his dirty money on luxury holidays while fraudulently claiming thousands of pounds in benefits, has been sentenced to eight and a half years in jail. His girlfriend, Tracy Lucas, received a seven month sentence after being convicted of benefit fraud. As well as dealing cocaine and cannabis, they were also fraudulently claiming £60,000 of housing benefit from Hammersmith & Fulham Council.
Another single person fraud. Elizabeth Smedley from Shirebrook claimed almost £12,400 in benefits as a single parent whilst failing to declare her employed partner had been living with her. She was given a 4 months suspended prison sentence, a Community Order to undertake 180 hours unpaid work over the next 12 months, a two month Curfew and ordered to pay £500 costs, also over the next 12 months.
A Longnor pensioner has been jailed for six months for claiming nearly £30,000 in benefits over a 13-year period while working as a company director.
Michael Lawrence, a drug baron who spent his dirty money on luxury holidays while fraudulently claiming thousands of pounds in benefits, has been sentenced to eight and a half years in jail. His girlfriend, Tracy Lucas, received a seven month sentence after being convicted of benefit fraud. As well as dealing cocaine and cannabis, they were also fraudulently claiming £60,000 of housing benefit from Hammersmith & Fulham Council.
25 Nov 2010
Conditional discharge for benefit thief
Mukhlis Jalkhi, from Watford, has been sentenced to "a conditional discharge for six months", and ordered to pay £60 towards prosecution costs.
Watford Borough Council brought the successful prosecution after Mr Jalkhi failed to declare that he had a bank account with capital exceeding £16,000.
Failure to declare this information resulted in Mr Jalkhi receiving housing and council tax benefits in excess of £2,000 to which he was not entitled to.
Watford Borough Council brought the successful prosecution after Mr Jalkhi failed to declare that he had a bank account with capital exceeding £16,000.
Failure to declare this information resulted in Mr Jalkhi receiving housing and council tax benefits in excess of £2,000 to which he was not entitled to.
- Where's the deterrent then? These people do it for the money. So hit them in the pocket. It was money that motivated them, and a financial penalty will help to deter them.
Everyone convicted of benefit fraud who doesn't go to prison should have to do unpaid work.
Benefit thieves should also have to repay twice what they've stolen, and should not be eligible for any further benefits – including tax credits - until they have. A confiscation order should be automatic and immediate.
If you don't punish people who are convicted of an easy crime, the offence will continue to look attractive.
A visitor writes
The reports on your website fail to include any mitigating factors. There's much more that lies 'below the surface' of some benefit fraud cases.Indeed, and it's not the aim of this blog to highlight tragic cases - just the bad people.
My 35-year old son was investigated for benefit fraud. The council thought he had fraudulently claimed £6,000 of housing benefit.
However, my son suffers from paranoid schizophrenia and does not have proper mental capacity and would not have been able to have properly declared or understood a change in his circumstances which would affect his benefit.
Each and every fraud case should be investigated - and reported - on its own merits, rather than the attitude that all these people are criminals who set out to defraud. That's not always the case as demonstrated here.
24 Nov 2010
No jail for £68k benefit thief
A benefits cheat who claimed £68,000 of public money while working has avoided jail.
Mutombo Kandanda, 38, pleaded guilty to seven counts of making false benefits claims between 2004 and 2008.
Kandanda, from West Drayton, was earning £1,300 per month at the time.
At Isleworth Crown Court he was given a 12 month suspended prison sentence, and ordered to complete 200 hours community service.
Mutombo Kandanda, 38, pleaded guilty to seven counts of making false benefits claims between 2004 and 2008.
Kandanda, from West Drayton, was earning £1,300 per month at the time.
At Isleworth Crown Court he was given a 12 month suspended prison sentence, and ordered to complete 200 hours community service.
- So where's the deterrent?
More Romanian gypsy benefit fraud
A 'shameless' Romanian gipsy who stole at least £113,000 in benefits to fund a life of luxury has been jailed for three years.
Illie Schian, 47, bought sports cars, motorcycles, quad bikes and electrical goods with money he received from British hand-outs.
Using taxpayers’ cash, he even built his family a nine-bedroom mansion in Romania, complete with marbled floors, a spa bath, servants’ quarters and two kitchens filled with modern appliances. See picture.
He is also accused of involvement in a people-smuggling ring that sent around 180 children to Britain to beg and steal.
The fraudster amassed a £20,000 nest egg in a Romanian bank account before he was finally caught by police.
Schian, from Enfield, North London, applied for political asylum under an assumed name when he arrived in the UK 11 years ago, claiming he had been persecuted in Romania because he is a gipsy.
He was granted indefinite leave to remain in the country, but he proceeded to fleece British taxpayers out of tens of thousands in job seekers’ allowance, child benefit and housing benefit before he was arrested in July this year.
The Romanian was jailed for three years after he admitted a string of fraud charges at Southwark Crown Court on Friday.
Mr Justice James Wadsworth QC said: ‘You did your utmost to defraud the public.
‘You did it in a determined and skilful manner and I have been shown photographs of how your family appears to have become very prosperous.
‘I am satisfied that you skilfully and deliberately profited greatly and enjoyed it enormously.’
The judge recommended Schian should be deported after serving his sentence.
Earlier the court heard how Schian claimed asylum under the false name of Nelus Gheorghe in September 1999.
He was granted indefinite leave to remain in March 2004 and his family came to Britain to join him. But shortly afterwards he was jailed for 15 months for theft.
On his release from prison, he disappeared and began to commit benefit fraud using his false identity.Through this he netted a total of £113,889 in just three-and-a-half years.
He was arrested four months ago following a long-running investigation into the organised crime gang he was part of.
Prosecutor Martin Whitehouse told the court: ‘The defendant came to the country intending to defraud the benefits system and, as soon as he could, he did just that. This was a shameless act.’
The court heard that between January 2007 and June this year, Schian pocketed tens of thousands of pounds in job seekers’ allowance claimed from the Department for Work and Pensions.
He also had child tax credit and child benefit from Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs, and housing benefit and council tax benefit from Enfield Borough Council.
Mr Whitehouse said Schian had used the money to buy land in his native country. He was in the process of building or extending a nine-bedroom property in the town of Tandarei, eastern Romania.
Schian also bought a BMW and an Audi, a 4x4, motorcycles, quad bikes, and filled his home with electrical items including a washing machine, plasma television and a cooker.
In addition to this, police inquiries revealed he had a bank account in Romania containing 84,000 Lei, which is the equivalent of around £20,000.
Yesterday Chief Inspector Colin Carswell, of the Metropolitan Police, condemned Schian for stealing from British taxpayers and cheating the welfare system.
He said: ‘Schian spent ten years in the UK exploiting the weakest from his own community as well as making a deliberate and sustained attack on the benefits system.
‘He portrayed the image of being poor and in need of money from UK benefits. Our Romanian colleagues alongside my team have proved this to be a lie.
‘Schian now needs to answer the charges that have been laid against him in Romania, that he and others are responsible for trafficking 181 children to the United Kingdom.’
Illie Schian, 47, bought sports cars, motorcycles, quad bikes and electrical goods with money he received from British hand-outs.
Using taxpayers’ cash, he even built his family a nine-bedroom mansion in Romania, complete with marbled floors, a spa bath, servants’ quarters and two kitchens filled with modern appliances. See picture.
He is also accused of involvement in a people-smuggling ring that sent around 180 children to Britain to beg and steal.
The fraudster amassed a £20,000 nest egg in a Romanian bank account before he was finally caught by police.
Schian, from Enfield, North London, applied for political asylum under an assumed name when he arrived in the UK 11 years ago, claiming he had been persecuted in Romania because he is a gipsy.
He was granted indefinite leave to remain in the country, but he proceeded to fleece British taxpayers out of tens of thousands in job seekers’ allowance, child benefit and housing benefit before he was arrested in July this year.
The Romanian was jailed for three years after he admitted a string of fraud charges at Southwark Crown Court on Friday.
Mr Justice James Wadsworth QC said: ‘You did your utmost to defraud the public.
‘You did it in a determined and skilful manner and I have been shown photographs of how your family appears to have become very prosperous.
‘I am satisfied that you skilfully and deliberately profited greatly and enjoyed it enormously.’
The judge recommended Schian should be deported after serving his sentence.
Earlier the court heard how Schian claimed asylum under the false name of Nelus Gheorghe in September 1999.
He was granted indefinite leave to remain in March 2004 and his family came to Britain to join him. But shortly afterwards he was jailed for 15 months for theft.
On his release from prison, he disappeared and began to commit benefit fraud using his false identity.Through this he netted a total of £113,889 in just three-and-a-half years.
He was arrested four months ago following a long-running investigation into the organised crime gang he was part of.
Prosecutor Martin Whitehouse told the court: ‘The defendant came to the country intending to defraud the benefits system and, as soon as he could, he did just that. This was a shameless act.’
The court heard that between January 2007 and June this year, Schian pocketed tens of thousands of pounds in job seekers’ allowance claimed from the Department for Work and Pensions.
He also had child tax credit and child benefit from Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs, and housing benefit and council tax benefit from Enfield Borough Council.
Mr Whitehouse said Schian had used the money to buy land in his native country. He was in the process of building or extending a nine-bedroom property in the town of Tandarei, eastern Romania.
Schian also bought a BMW and an Audi, a 4x4, motorcycles, quad bikes, and filled his home with electrical items including a washing machine, plasma television and a cooker.
In addition to this, police inquiries revealed he had a bank account in Romania containing 84,000 Lei, which is the equivalent of around £20,000.
Yesterday Chief Inspector Colin Carswell, of the Metropolitan Police, condemned Schian for stealing from British taxpayers and cheating the welfare system.
He said: ‘Schian spent ten years in the UK exploiting the weakest from his own community as well as making a deliberate and sustained attack on the benefits system.
‘He portrayed the image of being poor and in need of money from UK benefits. Our Romanian colleagues alongside my team have proved this to be a lie.
‘Schian now needs to answer the charges that have been laid against him in Romania, that he and others are responsible for trafficking 181 children to the United Kingdom.’
BBC presenter was benefit thief
A BBC radio presenter wrongly claimed £18,000 in benefits over seven years while working for the corporation.
Lubna Qazi, 53, known as DJ Kanwal, claimed Carer’s Allowance for looking after her sick husband but failed to declare her BBC earnings.
She had told the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) in 2003 that her husband spent 35 hours a week in bed after suffering a stroke while she worked just six hours a week for the BBC.
In fact, her hours and earnings increased substantially over the seven years, but she failed to inform the DWP of her change in circumstances.
Qazi received a total of £18,014 in state handouts since while simultaneously earning £24.47 per hour presenting two weekend Bollywood music shows on the station.
The presenter, from Kings Heath, Birmingham, had previously denied failing to promptly notify the DWP about a change in circumstances, contrary to the Social Security Administration Act 1992.
But she pleaded guilty yesterday at Birmingham Magistrates Court and will be sentenced at a later date.
Qazi worked for the BBC's flagship Asian-inspired station as a presenter on a Bollywood music show called Retro Selection.
Her programme was billed as offering ‘timeless classics from the 1960s, 70s, 80s and 90s’ and Qazi herself was described as 'a tireless worker who gave up everything to become a DJ'.
But while on-air, she was actually falsely claiming £18,014 of Carer’s Allowance to look after her husband who had suffered a stroke in 2002.
Carer’s Allowance is the main state benefit for carers and currently stands at a minimum of £53.90 a week.
Gurminder Sanghera, prosecuting, said: ‘In this case Lubna Qazi claimed benefit after her husband suffered a stroke in 2002.
‘She was required to let the department know any changes in her circumstances. During this time she was employed by the BBC Asian Network.
‘As a result of information received by the department she was interviewed and confirmed that she had been claiming Carer's Allowance for seven years.
‘She went on to say she had quite often left him (her husband) at home in bed, that he was in bed for 35 hours a week and that she worked six hours a week at the BBC.’
Miss Sanghera said those circumstances had changed.
Qazi’s official BBC profile says: ‘It was through sheer determination and belief in herself that made Kanwal’s dreams of becoming a presenter come true.’
The glowing description also says that had Qazi not become a DJ, she would have loved to have been a Bollywood star.
She has now lost her position with the corporation.
Lubna Qazi, 53, known as DJ Kanwal, claimed Carer’s Allowance for looking after her sick husband but failed to declare her BBC earnings.
She had told the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) in 2003 that her husband spent 35 hours a week in bed after suffering a stroke while she worked just six hours a week for the BBC.
In fact, her hours and earnings increased substantially over the seven years, but she failed to inform the DWP of her change in circumstances.
Qazi received a total of £18,014 in state handouts since while simultaneously earning £24.47 per hour presenting two weekend Bollywood music shows on the station.
The presenter, from Kings Heath, Birmingham, had previously denied failing to promptly notify the DWP about a change in circumstances, contrary to the Social Security Administration Act 1992.
But she pleaded guilty yesterday at Birmingham Magistrates Court and will be sentenced at a later date.
Qazi worked for the BBC's flagship Asian-inspired station as a presenter on a Bollywood music show called Retro Selection.
Her programme was billed as offering ‘timeless classics from the 1960s, 70s, 80s and 90s’ and Qazi herself was described as 'a tireless worker who gave up everything to become a DJ'.
But while on-air, she was actually falsely claiming £18,014 of Carer’s Allowance to look after her husband who had suffered a stroke in 2002.
Carer’s Allowance is the main state benefit for carers and currently stands at a minimum of £53.90 a week.
Gurminder Sanghera, prosecuting, said: ‘In this case Lubna Qazi claimed benefit after her husband suffered a stroke in 2002.
‘She was required to let the department know any changes in her circumstances. During this time she was employed by the BBC Asian Network.
‘As a result of information received by the department she was interviewed and confirmed that she had been claiming Carer's Allowance for seven years.
‘She went on to say she had quite often left him (her husband) at home in bed, that he was in bed for 35 hours a week and that she worked six hours a week at the BBC.’
Miss Sanghera said those circumstances had changed.
Qazi’s official BBC profile says: ‘It was through sheer determination and belief in herself that made Kanwal’s dreams of becoming a presenter come true.’
The glowing description also says that had Qazi not become a DJ, she would have loved to have been a Bollywood star.
She has now lost her position with the corporation.
23 Nov 2010
Another visitor writes
Benefit fraudsters have such an easy time of it because - irrespective of their eventual sentencing - they will only ever have to pay back at a rate of £13.25 per week.
This is peanuts. Some of the huge amounts of money that have been stolen by fraudsters will take years and years to pay off at this rate.
A visitor writes
i was convicted for benefit fraud in 2007 which i'm so ashamed of and not proud of it , but i've always worked and when i went on the benefits i felt i was doing the right thing , but i had no solicitor to represent me so i was convicted. but i have paid the money back and is their anyway i can get my conviction removed as i find it hard to get a job and i do not want to be on benefits all my life. i feel that if you paid the money back and you have co-operated and it was your first offense you should not keep being punished as im never going to move on. i am so sorry but i would never do this mistake again as i have to much to lose , is their anyway you can help me please. i know i don't deserve this put i would never steal off someone i was stupid and make a silly mistake thankyou
22 Nov 2010
Benefit thief is still a councillor
We can see here a striking picture of Cllr Shelina Akhtar. She was convicted of benefit fraud but she's still serving on Tower Hamlets council.
The councillor, who represents Spitalfields and Banglatown ward and defected from the Labour party to become an independent, was found guilty of claiming Jobseeker’s allowance, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit while working, during the case at Thames Magistrates’ Court on July 27.
She was handed 100 hours of unpaid work and ordered to pay £250 costs for the fraud between September 2008 and March 2009.
In a separate incident, Ms Aktar was arrested on November 9 on suspicion of sub-letting her housing association property.
But she denies any wrongdoing: “I’m clean. Let’s wait until the investigation.”
Ms Akhtar has been bailed to appear at an east London police station on December 7.
Another person has also been arrested in relation to the inquiry.
An investigation into her conduct is currently taking place and notorious mayor Lutfur Rahman has insisted he wants an “open and transparent council”.
He added: “I understand there are ongoing investigations into the affairs of a councillor.
“Everyone who seeks to represent the interests of this community must abide by the highest standards of personal conduct.”
A council spokesperson added: “There is an ongoing police investigation and at this stage we have nothing further to add.”
Electoral Commission rules state that a councillor will only be automatically barred from office if they are sentenced to three months in jail or more. It’s down to Tower Hamlets’ own code of conduct to decide what action will be taken against Cllr Akhtar.
Their rules state councillors must not behave “in a manner which could reasonably be regarded as bringing your office or the authority into disrepute”.
Matthew Sinclair, director of the TaxPayers’ Alliance, said: “Taxpayers will be furious that they are still being represented by this fraudster.
“It shouldn’t take a three month jail term to have a councillor breaking the rules kicked off the council.”
Ms Akhtar originally won her seat as a Labour candidate in May’s local elections.
She was one of eight councillors to leave the party in September, in protest at Mr Rahman being suspended as mayoral candidate.
Labour leader Helal Abbas insisted he had no idea about Ms Akhtar’s conviction when she was still a Labour councillor.
Conservative leader Cllr Peter Golds is now calling for the councillor to be thrown out.
He said: “It’s outrageous. What a slap in the face to the hard working people of Tower Hamlets who haven’t fiddled their benefits. If she has the decency she’ll resign.”
htp: Dave
The councillor, who represents Spitalfields and Banglatown ward and defected from the Labour party to become an independent, was found guilty of claiming Jobseeker’s allowance, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit while working, during the case at Thames Magistrates’ Court on July 27.
She was handed 100 hours of unpaid work and ordered to pay £250 costs for the fraud between September 2008 and March 2009.
In a separate incident, Ms Aktar was arrested on November 9 on suspicion of sub-letting her housing association property.
But she denies any wrongdoing: “I’m clean. Let’s wait until the investigation.”
Ms Akhtar has been bailed to appear at an east London police station on December 7.
Another person has also been arrested in relation to the inquiry.
An investigation into her conduct is currently taking place and notorious mayor Lutfur Rahman has insisted he wants an “open and transparent council”.
He added: “I understand there are ongoing investigations into the affairs of a councillor.
“Everyone who seeks to represent the interests of this community must abide by the highest standards of personal conduct.”
A council spokesperson added: “There is an ongoing police investigation and at this stage we have nothing further to add.”
Electoral Commission rules state that a councillor will only be automatically barred from office if they are sentenced to three months in jail or more. It’s down to Tower Hamlets’ own code of conduct to decide what action will be taken against Cllr Akhtar.
Their rules state councillors must not behave “in a manner which could reasonably be regarded as bringing your office or the authority into disrepute”.
Matthew Sinclair, director of the TaxPayers’ Alliance, said: “Taxpayers will be furious that they are still being represented by this fraudster.
“It shouldn’t take a three month jail term to have a councillor breaking the rules kicked off the council.”
Ms Akhtar originally won her seat as a Labour candidate in May’s local elections.
She was one of eight councillors to leave the party in September, in protest at Mr Rahman being suspended as mayoral candidate.
Labour leader Helal Abbas insisted he had no idea about Ms Akhtar’s conviction when she was still a Labour councillor.
Conservative leader Cllr Peter Golds is now calling for the councillor to be thrown out.
He said: “It’s outrageous. What a slap in the face to the hard working people of Tower Hamlets who haven’t fiddled their benefits. If she has the decency she’ll resign.”
htp: Dave
20 Nov 2010
Lewisham benefit thief
A woman who used her cousin’s name so she could work and claim more than £17,500 in benefits "has avoided jail", says News Shopper.
But benefit thieves at this level don't go to prison, even when it's deliberate, as it clearly was here.
Adebisi Pens-Erizia, from Lewisham, fraudulently claimed £5,870 income support from the Department for Work and Pensions between December 2006 to July 2009.
She also claimed £10,219 in housing benefit and £1,429 in council tax from Lewisham Council.
Pens-Erizia admitted working for a healthcare recruitment agency under the name Elsie Payne, stating the real Elsie Payne was her cousin, who lived abroad and had allowed her to use her name.
She pleaded guilty at Woolwich Crown Court to three offences under the Social Security Administration Act and was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment suspended for two years and a community order to do 140 hours unpaid work.
But benefit thieves at this level don't go to prison, even when it's deliberate, as it clearly was here.
Adebisi Pens-Erizia, from Lewisham, fraudulently claimed £5,870 income support from the Department for Work and Pensions between December 2006 to July 2009.
She also claimed £10,219 in housing benefit and £1,429 in council tax from Lewisham Council.
Pens-Erizia admitted working for a healthcare recruitment agency under the name Elsie Payne, stating the real Elsie Payne was her cousin, who lived abroad and had allowed her to use her name.
She pleaded guilty at Woolwich Crown Court to three offences under the Social Security Administration Act and was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment suspended for two years and a community order to do 140 hours unpaid work.
- These people do it for the money. So hit them in the pocket. It was money that motivated them, and a financial penalty will help to deter them.
Benefit thieves should have to repay twice what they've stolen, and should not be eligible for any further benefits – including tax credits - until they have. A confiscation order should be automatic and immediate.
If you don't punish people who are convicted of an easy crime, the offence will continue to look attractive.
19 Nov 2010
Housing benefit withheld - what to do?
A reader asks:
I own a house and am renting it out, the tenants have not paid rent since the beginning of July 2010, they receive housing benefit and are keeping it, they are drug addicts and have problems with alcohol. I gave them eviction notice at the end of July using a solicitor and they didn't do anything about it. It is now in the hands of my mortgage company's solicitor and I am now going to loose my property due to them. Please can you contact me and let me know what you can do about this, as I say they receive housing benefit and keeping it for drugs and alcohol.Please post any comments here.
Rochdale explains blue badge fraud project
Rochdale Council has explained the case for a central database of disabled blue parking badges in issue.
Strikingly, the local authorities involved in the project with them (Manchester, Bolton, Sefton and Cumbria) believe that 50-70% of badges in use are fraudulent.
Project management costs came to £25,000. Rochdale estimates that recording blue badges on a central database will save the authority £20,000 a year in staffing costs. The database will allow real time entitlement checks of the issuing authority's records to be made by enforcement officers anywhere in the country.
They also suggest that the time taken to issue a badge and verify entitlement could be reduced from an - astonishing - three months to "a matter of moments" if information is shared between local authorities, the DWP, PCTs, doctors, and occupational therapists.
They conclude that the key feature is the utilisation of the NFI data schema that all councils adhere to when submitting blue badge data to the Audit Commission.
Strikingly, the local authorities involved in the project with them (Manchester, Bolton, Sefton and Cumbria) believe that 50-70% of badges in use are fraudulent.
Project management costs came to £25,000. Rochdale estimates that recording blue badges on a central database will save the authority £20,000 a year in staffing costs. The database will allow real time entitlement checks of the issuing authority's records to be made by enforcement officers anywhere in the country.
They also suggest that the time taken to issue a badge and verify entitlement could be reduced from an - astonishing - three months to "a matter of moments" if information is shared between local authorities, the DWP, PCTs, doctors, and occupational therapists.
They conclude that the key feature is the utilisation of the NFI data schema that all councils adhere to when submitting blue badge data to the Audit Commission.
- This is promising, but it's no good if the badges once issued are easy to copy.
- They suggest that as many as 50-70% of badges issued are fraudulent - so that's most of the badges out there. Can they be mopped up cost effectively before they would fall due for renewal?
18 Nov 2010
Wagner anger?
Iain Martin has the story. X Factor's Wagner is on incapacity benefit. Why? We are not told.
It is an easy example to grasp, like Cameron's photographer. Wagner will be an easy subject of pub conversation.
Whether it will help his voting numbers remains to be seen. The coalition will be hoping it may help theirs.
A Wagner source told The Sun that the singer is expecting to have his fitness re-assessed by the Department of Work and Pensions. I’ll say.As Martin summarises it: X Factor’s Wagner Becomes Unlikely Poster Boy for Welfare Reform.
This is a gift to government ministers engaged in welfare reform. They judge that voters thinking on the subject has hardened considerably. And if they were looking for a way to illustrate to Britons that the existing system is out of control, and to popularize an overhaul, then it is hard to think of a better case study than one involving a gyrating singer who claims benefits during the week before dancing his way across the nation’s TV screens on a Saturday night.
It is an easy example to grasp, like Cameron's photographer. Wagner will be an easy subject of pub conversation.
Whether it will help his voting numbers remains to be seen. The coalition will be hoping it may help theirs.
Benefit frauds continue
An Ellesmere Port benefit thief who did not reveal that her landlord was also the father of her child must complete 270 hours of community service after wrongly collecting £18,472.
In Scotland, a Bellshill woman has been sentenced to six months in jail for falsely claiming over £38,000 in benefits between 2000 and 2006.
And Harborough District Council thinks benefit fraud costs the country about £2bn a year - more than the government's estimate but less than this blog's.
They say the types of fraud they come across are:
In Scotland, a Bellshill woman has been sentenced to six months in jail for falsely claiming over £38,000 in benefits between 2000 and 2006.
And Harborough District Council thinks benefit fraud costs the country about £2bn a year - more than the government's estimate but less than this blog's.
They say the types of fraud they come across are:
- Working and claiming
- Non-disclosure of property, capital or income
- Non-disclosure of partner
- Non-declaration of non-dependants or sub-tenants
- False tenancies
- Landlord fraud
- Failing to declare a change of address
- Fictitious tenancies
17 Nov 2010
Data matching catches £18k benefit thief
A benefit cheat who defrauded over £18,000 has received a suspended jail sentence and a Community Order following a prosecution by Lewisham Council on behalf of the DWP.
Avril Miller, from Deptford, was prosecuted for dishonestly claiming benefits whilst in full-time paid employment and failing to inform both the Council and the DWP.
She was sentenced to 24 weeks imprisonment suspended for 2 years, 100 hours unpaid work and a £1,000 compensation order towards paying back the money that she fraudulently claimed.
Councillor Susan Wise, Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Lewisham Council, said: “This is a huge sum of money, fraudulently claimed. Lewisham Council will not tolerate people abusing the benefits system, which is there to help people in real need.”
Miller pleaded guilty to working whilst in receipt of benefits. Over a 7-year period she worked full time for Greggs the Bakers in Deptford, rising to the position of Manager. She fraudulently claimed £11,252.13 in Housing Benefit and £2,310.25 Council Tax from Lewisham Council and £5,134.87 Income Support from the DWP.
The case came to light as a result of a data-matching exercise comparing Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) data of people working and benefit claimants.
Avril Miller, from Deptford, was prosecuted for dishonestly claiming benefits whilst in full-time paid employment and failing to inform both the Council and the DWP.
She was sentenced to 24 weeks imprisonment suspended for 2 years, 100 hours unpaid work and a £1,000 compensation order towards paying back the money that she fraudulently claimed.
Councillor Susan Wise, Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Lewisham Council, said: “This is a huge sum of money, fraudulently claimed. Lewisham Council will not tolerate people abusing the benefits system, which is there to help people in real need.”
Miller pleaded guilty to working whilst in receipt of benefits. Over a 7-year period she worked full time for Greggs the Bakers in Deptford, rising to the position of Manager. She fraudulently claimed £11,252.13 in Housing Benefit and £2,310.25 Council Tax from Lewisham Council and £5,134.87 Income Support from the DWP.
The case came to light as a result of a data-matching exercise comparing Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) data of people working and benefit claimants.
16 Nov 2010
Councils report on benefit overpayments
Swansea benefit cheats have collectively pocketed more than £180,000 from the public purse in the past six months, it is reported. The massive sum was fraudulently claimed in housing benefit and council tax benefit.
New figures show that between April and September Swansea Council investigators formally interviewed 110 people about benefit fraud. There are currently 189 cases of benefit fraud under investigation and a further 93 being considered for action.
The city council has warned that fraudsters not only face possible imprisonment or fines, but that since April this year there has been the added deterrent of losing out on future legitimate benefit claims.
The new one-strike-and-you're-out rule was introduced by the DWP nationally, and means anyone convicted of benefit fraud could also lose a big slice of benefits for a month after their conviction.
It affects people who are convicted, cautioned or fined for a benefit fraud offence after the date of April 1 this year, as well as their partner or a family member, and could see them lose up to £53.05 per week from any entitlement.
Swansea Council's Benefit Investigation Team believe benefit cheats are costing each household in Swansea around £100 a year.
Meanwhile, in Basildon a fraud crackdown has unearthed nearly £500,000 in wrongly-paid benefits. The Council, working with the National Fraud Initiative, discovered the money was paid out by the authority during 2008/09 as a result of frauds, overpayments and errors made in connection with benefit claims.
New figures show that between April and September Swansea Council investigators formally interviewed 110 people about benefit fraud. There are currently 189 cases of benefit fraud under investigation and a further 93 being considered for action.
The city council has warned that fraudsters not only face possible imprisonment or fines, but that since April this year there has been the added deterrent of losing out on future legitimate benefit claims.
The new one-strike-and-you're-out rule was introduced by the DWP nationally, and means anyone convicted of benefit fraud could also lose a big slice of benefits for a month after their conviction.
It affects people who are convicted, cautioned or fined for a benefit fraud offence after the date of April 1 this year, as well as their partner or a family member, and could see them lose up to £53.05 per week from any entitlement.
Swansea Council's Benefit Investigation Team believe benefit cheats are costing each household in Swansea around £100 a year.
Meanwhile, in Basildon a fraud crackdown has unearthed nearly £500,000 in wrongly-paid benefits. The Council, working with the National Fraud Initiative, discovered the money was paid out by the authority during 2008/09 as a result of frauds, overpayments and errors made in connection with benefit claims.
15 Nov 2010
Community service for £19k benefit fraud
A 48-YEAR-OLD woman who conned Chiltern District Council out of thousands of pounds in false benefit claims has avoided jail.
Ivy Ling Cheong claimed a total of £19,119 in Housing and Council Tax Benefit from the council and Income Support from the DWP over a period of two years.
Fraud investigators discovered Cheong, formerly of Shepherds Way, Chesham, had several undeclared bank accounts with “considerable” sums of money passing through them, the council said.
Officers became suspicious of Cheong's claims after becoming aware she was driving an expensive Mercedes 4x4 with personalised numberplates.
At the time she submitted her claims for benefits the investigators found that she had savings in excess of £30,000 which she had failed to tell the Council about.
Cheong claimed the money was maintenance for her youngest child. However when questioned further she admitted it was a divorce settlement that she had initially put into premium bonds and then transferred the funds into several accounts trading in hedge funds.
Cheong, now of Blackfriars Walk, Lincoln, had a six-month jail term suspended for two years by Wycombe magistrates on Tuesday November 2 after admitting 13 charges.
She was also ordered to do 200 hours of unpaid community work and to pay £300 costs.
Magistrates were told the defendant had repaid all of the money she fraudulently claimed.
Ivy Ling Cheong claimed a total of £19,119 in Housing and Council Tax Benefit from the council and Income Support from the DWP over a period of two years.
Fraud investigators discovered Cheong, formerly of Shepherds Way, Chesham, had several undeclared bank accounts with “considerable” sums of money passing through them, the council said.
Officers became suspicious of Cheong's claims after becoming aware she was driving an expensive Mercedes 4x4 with personalised numberplates.
At the time she submitted her claims for benefits the investigators found that she had savings in excess of £30,000 which she had failed to tell the Council about.
Cheong claimed the money was maintenance for her youngest child. However when questioned further she admitted it was a divorce settlement that she had initially put into premium bonds and then transferred the funds into several accounts trading in hedge funds.
Cheong, now of Blackfriars Walk, Lincoln, had a six-month jail term suspended for two years by Wycombe magistrates on Tuesday November 2 after admitting 13 charges.
She was also ordered to do 200 hours of unpaid community work and to pay £300 costs.
Magistrates were told the defendant had repaid all of the money she fraudulently claimed.
- These people do it for the money. So hit them in the pocket. It was money that motivated them, and a financial penalty will help to deter them. Benefit thieves should have to repay twice what they've stolen
If you don't punish people who are convicted of an easy crime, the offence will continue to look attractive.
The report says that she "has avoided jail". She was never going to go there in the first place.
12 Nov 2010
Tattenhall woman admits £10,000 benefit fraud
A Chester woman must carry out 100 hours community service after pleading guilty to benefit fraud.
Lynne Samson, from Newton-By-Tattenhall, appeared at Chester Magistrates Court on Thursday, November 4, where she pleaded guilty to four offences.
They were dishonestly failing to promptly notify of a change in circumstances which she knew would affect her entitlement to Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit, Income Support and Training Premium.
She had been living with her partner, as husband and wife, while the partner was employed and therefore in a position to provide financial assistance.
Samson was overpaid a total of £10,988.
The court sentenced Samson to a 12 month Community Order during which she must conduct 100 hours unpaid work. She was also ordered to pay £100 towards the prosecution costs.
Samson is also required to fully repay the overpaid benefit to Cheshire West and Chester Council and the Department for Work and Pensions.
Lynne Samson, from Newton-By-Tattenhall, appeared at Chester Magistrates Court on Thursday, November 4, where she pleaded guilty to four offences.
They were dishonestly failing to promptly notify of a change in circumstances which she knew would affect her entitlement to Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit, Income Support and Training Premium.
She had been living with her partner, as husband and wife, while the partner was employed and therefore in a position to provide financial assistance.
Samson was overpaid a total of £10,988.
The court sentenced Samson to a 12 month Community Order during which she must conduct 100 hours unpaid work. She was also ordered to pay £100 towards the prosecution costs.
Samson is also required to fully repay the overpaid benefit to Cheshire West and Chester Council and the Department for Work and Pensions.
- Effectively she gets a long term, interest free loan.
11 Nov 2010
"Student" jailed for benefits fraud
A PhD student from Qatar who fraudulently obtained benefits and funding worth more than £250,000 has been jailed.
Mohammed Al-Sulaiti declared his family had no cash, savings, investments or property when he claimed asylum after entering the UK on a student visa in 2005.
He was given support intended for asylum seekers who would otherwise be destitute, including accommodation in Swansea, payment of utility bills and up to £400 a week for him and his family.
Investigators later discovered he had several thousand pounds in bank accounts, numerous business interests and investments, and that he was being sponsored to study in the UK by a medical firm and the government of his home country.
Al-Sulaiti, 35, began working illegally as a postgraduate research assistant at Swansea University’s School of Medicine in May 2007, having provided the university with false documents stating he had the right to work in the UK.
The UK Border Agency said he is believed to have netted financial support and accommodation worth almost £210,000, £33,000 in tuition fee payments from the university and an overseas student research fund, and £10,000 in illegally-obtained wages.
Jailing Al-Sulaiti for two years at Cardiff Crown Court after he admitted benefit fraud, Judge Stephen Hopkins QC called him “a thoroughly dishonest and devious man”.
His asylum claim has been turned down and his wife and six children were removed to Qatar in April.
The UK Border Agency said it would take action to deport him after he serves his prison sentence and steps will be taken to recover the money under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
Steve Jones, of the agency’s south Wales immigration crime team, said: “Al-Sulaiti is a highly deceptive individual who has stolen thousands of pounds from the public purse and Swansea University.
“The UK Border Agency’s asylum support system is there to help people who would otherwise be destitute while their claims for asylum are considered – not to line the pockets of individuals who have access to money and who are working illegally.
“The UK has a proud tradition of giving asylum to those who genuinely need protection, but Al-Sulaiti has tried to work the system for financial benefit.
“Fortunately, we caught up with him and he now faces jail and deportation to Qatar.”
He added: “We hope this will send the message that we will find and prosecute anyone who attempts to commit this type of fraud.”
Mohammed Al-Sulaiti declared his family had no cash, savings, investments or property when he claimed asylum after entering the UK on a student visa in 2005.
He was given support intended for asylum seekers who would otherwise be destitute, including accommodation in Swansea, payment of utility bills and up to £400 a week for him and his family.
Investigators later discovered he had several thousand pounds in bank accounts, numerous business interests and investments, and that he was being sponsored to study in the UK by a medical firm and the government of his home country.
Al-Sulaiti, 35, began working illegally as a postgraduate research assistant at Swansea University’s School of Medicine in May 2007, having provided the university with false documents stating he had the right to work in the UK.
The UK Border Agency said he is believed to have netted financial support and accommodation worth almost £210,000, £33,000 in tuition fee payments from the university and an overseas student research fund, and £10,000 in illegally-obtained wages.
Jailing Al-Sulaiti for two years at Cardiff Crown Court after he admitted benefit fraud, Judge Stephen Hopkins QC called him “a thoroughly dishonest and devious man”.
His asylum claim has been turned down and his wife and six children were removed to Qatar in April.
The UK Border Agency said it would take action to deport him after he serves his prison sentence and steps will be taken to recover the money under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
Steve Jones, of the agency’s south Wales immigration crime team, said: “Al-Sulaiti is a highly deceptive individual who has stolen thousands of pounds from the public purse and Swansea University.
“The UK Border Agency’s asylum support system is there to help people who would otherwise be destitute while their claims for asylum are considered – not to line the pockets of individuals who have access to money and who are working illegally.
“The UK has a proud tradition of giving asylum to those who genuinely need protection, but Al-Sulaiti has tried to work the system for financial benefit.
“Fortunately, we caught up with him and he now faces jail and deportation to Qatar.”
He added: “We hope this will send the message that we will find and prosecute anyone who attempts to commit this type of fraud.”
10 Nov 2010
Exotic past of benefit thief
Poor Phil Tufnell. Back in April The Sun reported that his ex-wife was on the run accused of benefit fraud.
Now she has attended court and Bromley Council have reported the case. She has pleaded guilty to much lower numbers than The Sun mentioned.
Alison Sywak, 43, allegedly pocketed £34,000 benefits - despite having more than £100,000 in the bank.In 2007, the paper said, she and Simon had moved to Singapore "and their whereabouts now are unknown". There's some background here.
The former call girl is said to have continued drawing handouts while living in a £1million apartment in Singapore with her wealthy new hubby Simon.
A warrant was issued for the mum of two's arrest after she failed to appear in court last May. She is said to have claimed housing benefit, job seeker's allowance and child credit from 2005 to 2007 while living in Bromley, Kent.
Now she has attended court and Bromley Council have reported the case. She has pleaded guilty to much lower numbers than The Sun mentioned.
Alison Tufnell, 43, formerly of Barfield Road, Bromley pleaded guilty to defrauding Bromley Council of housing and council tax benefits totalling £1,615 between April and July 2007. She also defrauded the DWP out of £2,501 in Income Support over the period September 2005 to July 2007. She had failed to declare income and capital in her bank accounts. Tufnell, now known as Alison Sywak, was last week sentenced at Croydon Crown Court to a £700 fine on each of the two charges, ordered to pay a £15 victim surcharge as well as £2,750 in costs. Bromley’s investigators worked closely with the DWP on this case.
9 Nov 2010
Where's our money, then?
A South Harrow pensioner who conned the tax payer out of more than £70,000 has been handed a suspended sentence.
Saker Dhanani, 76, told Harrow Council she was paying rent to her landlord but actually co-owned the property with her daughter.
She was overpaid housing and council tax benefit for nine years before she was eventually investigated and caught for the crime. It doesn't seem a sophisticated crime.
She pleaded guilty at Harrow Magistrates Court on Thursday to five counts of benefit fraud, all between January 1996 and June 2007.
She was handed a six month sentence suspended for 12 months due to her age and ill health.
Saker Dhanani, 76, told Harrow Council she was paying rent to her landlord but actually co-owned the property with her daughter.
She was overpaid housing and council tax benefit for nine years before she was eventually investigated and caught for the crime. It doesn't seem a sophisticated crime.
She pleaded guilty at Harrow Magistrates Court on Thursday to five counts of benefit fraud, all between January 1996 and June 2007.
She was handed a six month sentence suspended for 12 months due to her age and ill health.
- This long term criminal co-owns a property. Why should we not have our money back now?
Benefit thieves should have to repay twice what they've stolen, and should not be eligible for any further benefits – including tax credits - until they have. A confiscation order should be automatic and immediate.
8 Nov 2010
Organised Roma benefit fraud brings short jail sentence
A woman who helped more than 170 Romanians illegally claim £2.9m in benefits has got away with a jail sentence of two years and three months.
Lavinia Olmazu, a leading campaigner for the rights of Romany Gypsies, helped mastermind the scam involving 172 members of the Romanian community, gaining access to them through her work with Haringey and Waltham Forest councils.
As well as working as an outreach worker with the councils, the university graduate was involved with the Big Issue.
She set up companies with her boyfriend to help facilitate the frauds they carried out as part of a gang.
Sentencing her, Judge Deborah Taylor told Olmazu, of Woodford Green, her role in the fraud was "made easier" by her involvement with the local authorities and charities which granted her access to people within the Roma community.
She added: "You identified individuals who wished to be involved in this scheme and in doing so, abused your position with a number of charities.
"You were a previously well-respected woman working in human rights. You have now lost your reputation by involving yourself in this fraud."
Immigrants from Romania are not entitled to a National Insurance number, and therefore a number of benefits, unless they can prove to the authorities they have been employed.
The court heard Olmazu and her partner, unemployed Alin Enachi, would offer false documents to the migrants purporting to be from their employers, and also provided them with fake references.
As well as providing fake documents, they filed false claims for child tax credits, working tax credits and child benefit.
Olmazu, who has an 11-year-old son, admitted one count of conspiracy to supply articles for use in fraud between November 2007 and August 2009.
Enachi, 30, also of Woodford Green, was jailed for two years and eight months after pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to supply articles for use in fraud between November 2007 and August 2009.
Olmazu and Enachi were part of a gang of eight, all of whom have now been sentenced for their part in the fraud.
A confiscation hearing will be held at a later date, but the court heard £40,000 had passed through Enachi's account.
Det Con Melanie Groves, from the Metropolitan Police, said: "This is a clear case of Roma families who wished to improve their lives but were prevented from doing so by being exploited by their own people."
Hm. Did the judge not say "you identified individuals who wished to be involved in this scheme"?
Confiscation should be automatic and immediate.
Lavinia Olmazu, a leading campaigner for the rights of Romany Gypsies, helped mastermind the scam involving 172 members of the Romanian community, gaining access to them through her work with Haringey and Waltham Forest councils.
As well as working as an outreach worker with the councils, the university graduate was involved with the Big Issue.
She set up companies with her boyfriend to help facilitate the frauds they carried out as part of a gang.
Sentencing her, Judge Deborah Taylor told Olmazu, of Woodford Green, her role in the fraud was "made easier" by her involvement with the local authorities and charities which granted her access to people within the Roma community.
She added: "You identified individuals who wished to be involved in this scheme and in doing so, abused your position with a number of charities.
"You were a previously well-respected woman working in human rights. You have now lost your reputation by involving yourself in this fraud."
Immigrants from Romania are not entitled to a National Insurance number, and therefore a number of benefits, unless they can prove to the authorities they have been employed.
The court heard Olmazu and her partner, unemployed Alin Enachi, would offer false documents to the migrants purporting to be from their employers, and also provided them with fake references.
As well as providing fake documents, they filed false claims for child tax credits, working tax credits and child benefit.
Olmazu, who has an 11-year-old son, admitted one count of conspiracy to supply articles for use in fraud between November 2007 and August 2009.
Enachi, 30, also of Woodford Green, was jailed for two years and eight months after pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to supply articles for use in fraud between November 2007 and August 2009.
Olmazu and Enachi were part of a gang of eight, all of whom have now been sentenced for their part in the fraud.
A confiscation hearing will be held at a later date, but the court heard £40,000 had passed through Enachi's account.
Det Con Melanie Groves, from the Metropolitan Police, said: "This is a clear case of Roma families who wished to improve their lives but were prevented from doing so by being exploited by their own people."
Hm. Did the judge not say "you identified individuals who wished to be involved in this scheme"?
Confiscation should be automatic and immediate.
Bank details wanted
Ministers are seeking access to the bank details of virtually everyone in the country to crack down on the £5billion lost to fraud and error in the welfare system each year, says the Daily Mail, but it's not clear what's being suggested here.
£37k benefit thief gets community order
A Swanley benefit cheat who attempted to cheat tax payers out of £37,000 has been brought to justice by Sevenoaks District Council and the Department for Work and Pensions.
Thirty-nine year old Clare Lock appeared before Maidstone Crown Court on Tuesday 2 November 2010 where she pleaded guilty to three charges of benefit fraud. Miss Lock was caught out following a routine cross-check of her data held by the Council and the Department for Work and Pensions.
In Court, Miss Lock admitted she incorrectly claimed Income Support, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit for three years by stating that she was a lone parent with no financial support, when in fact she was living with her partner who was in paid employment.
As a result of her deception, Miss Lock illegally claimed £22,442.72 in Income Support, £12,239.66 in Housing Benefit and £3,103.97 in Council Tax Benefit, an amount totalling £37,786.35.
Miss Lock received a criminal record and was ordered to do 100 hours of unpaid work as part of a Community Punishment Order.
Both the Department for Work & Pensions and Sevenoaks District Council are seeking the repayment of all overpaid benefit.
Cllr Brian Ramsay, Sevenoaks District Council's Cabinet member with responsibility for finance, says: "Benefit fraud is a serious crime that impacts on each and every tax payer. It deprives public authorities of resources that otherwise would be used to improve the service they provide to residents. Hence we will not tolerate such an abuse of the benefits system and will vigorously pursue those who we believe are breaking the law."
Thirty-nine year old Clare Lock appeared before Maidstone Crown Court on Tuesday 2 November 2010 where she pleaded guilty to three charges of benefit fraud. Miss Lock was caught out following a routine cross-check of her data held by the Council and the Department for Work and Pensions.
In Court, Miss Lock admitted she incorrectly claimed Income Support, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit for three years by stating that she was a lone parent with no financial support, when in fact she was living with her partner who was in paid employment.
As a result of her deception, Miss Lock illegally claimed £22,442.72 in Income Support, £12,239.66 in Housing Benefit and £3,103.97 in Council Tax Benefit, an amount totalling £37,786.35.
Miss Lock received a criminal record and was ordered to do 100 hours of unpaid work as part of a Community Punishment Order.
Both the Department for Work & Pensions and Sevenoaks District Council are seeking the repayment of all overpaid benefit.
Cllr Brian Ramsay, Sevenoaks District Council's Cabinet member with responsibility for finance, says: "Benefit fraud is a serious crime that impacts on each and every tax payer. It deprives public authorities of resources that otherwise would be used to improve the service they provide to residents. Hence we will not tolerate such an abuse of the benefits system and will vigorously pursue those who we believe are breaking the law."
- Benefit thieves should also have to repay twice what they've stolen, and should not be eligible for any further benefits – including tax credits - until they have. A confiscation order should be automatic and immediate, at the same court hearing.
5 Nov 2010
Scottish benefit fraud sentences reviewed
Surprising news from Scotland - penalties for benefit fraud may be getting harsher there, reports The Courier.
Judges there say there is a need for guidelines to standardise sentencing for benefit fraud.
A recent Appeal Court judgment dealt with appeals against sentence by three women who admitted at Glasgow Sheriff Court failing to notify the DWP that they were earning and no longer entitled to certain benefits. The maximum penalty for this is seven years' imprisonment on indictment and 12 months if prosecuted summarily, says the paper. Most prosecutions in Scottish courts are the latter - when cases come before a sheriff rather than sheriff and jury.
The three appeal judges noted the divergence of sentencing in several previous cases.
It agreed that a case involving organised benefit fraud perpetrated by several participants would almost inevitably attract custodial sentences in excess of two years. It further agreed that custodial sentences of up to a year would usually be sufficient in a case where the sum involved is less than £20,000.
But it still misses the point that benefit thieves do it for the money. So hit them in the pocket. It was money that motivated them, and a financial penalty will help to deter them.
Benefit thieves should have to repay twice what they've stolen, and should not be eligible for any further benefits – including tax credits - until they have. A confiscation order should be automatic and immediate.
If you don't punish people who are convicted of an easy crime, the offence will continue to look attractive.
Judges there say there is a need for guidelines to standardise sentencing for benefit fraud.
A recent Appeal Court judgment dealt with appeals against sentence by three women who admitted at Glasgow Sheriff Court failing to notify the DWP that they were earning and no longer entitled to certain benefits. The maximum penalty for this is seven years' imprisonment on indictment and 12 months if prosecuted summarily, says the paper. Most prosecutions in Scottish courts are the latter - when cases come before a sheriff rather than sheriff and jury.
The three appeal judges noted the divergence of sentencing in several previous cases.
- In one, an 18-month sentence was considered reasonable for a £21,329 housing benefit fraud by an ill 60-year-old man.
- A 52-year-old with no previous convictions and a good work record convicted of a £3,500 benefit fraud was jailed for nine months.
- Community service was deemed sufficient for an £11,000 benefit fraud by a woman aged 49.
- A case last year was "even more divergent". In this, an eight-month sentence for two charges involving a total of £18,939 in Jobseeker's Allowance and housing benefit was quashed. Probation with 240 hours work in the community was substituted for the 48-year-old female appellant.
It agreed that a case involving organised benefit fraud perpetrated by several participants would almost inevitably attract custodial sentences in excess of two years. It further agreed that custodial sentences of up to a year would usually be sufficient in a case where the sum involved is less than £20,000.
- For offences involving frauds of up to £5,000, the judges consider a community service order may be taken as the "norm" at the top end of the range-while a fine or non-custodial disposal may be reasonable for those involving around £2,500.
- Moving up the scale, in the range of cases involving from £5,000 to £20,000, they think community service may be appropriate at the lower end of the scale. "But where the offence is in the higher reaches of the range, the court would expect a significant custodial sentence to be imposed in the absence of quite exceptional circumstances."
- "Offences above £20,000 might attract penalties only available in solemn proceedings" - that's apparently over 12 months. The maximum penalty in these proceedings is seven years' jail.
But it still misses the point that benefit thieves do it for the money. So hit them in the pocket. It was money that motivated them, and a financial penalty will help to deter them.
Benefit thieves should have to repay twice what they've stolen, and should not be eligible for any further benefits – including tax credits - until they have. A confiscation order should be automatic and immediate.
If you don't punish people who are convicted of an easy crime, the offence will continue to look attractive.
4 Nov 2010
Single person fraud ran for two years
A woman from East Dunbartonshire has admitted fraudulently claiming almost £30,000 in benefits.
Angela Weldon, 48, from Kirkintilloch, told officials her husband Thomas did not live with her when he did.
This allowed her to claim £5,500 in housing and council tax benefit and £24,166 in income support between June 2006 and September 2008.
At Glasgow Sheriff Court, sentence on the mother-of-four was deferred and she was released on bail.
The court was told Weldon is now paying back the cash at £40 per week. Even without any interest being applied, that would take over 14 years.
She was originally charged with defrauding a total of over £63,000 but prosecutors accepted her plea of guilty to the reduced amounts.
Angela Weldon, 48, from Kirkintilloch, told officials her husband Thomas did not live with her when he did.
This allowed her to claim £5,500 in housing and council tax benefit and £24,166 in income support between June 2006 and September 2008.
At Glasgow Sheriff Court, sentence on the mother-of-four was deferred and she was released on bail.
The court was told Weldon is now paying back the cash at £40 per week. Even without any interest being applied, that would take over 14 years.
She was originally charged with defrauding a total of over £63,000 but prosecutors accepted her plea of guilty to the reduced amounts.
3 Nov 2010
Benefit fraud is easy
Indeed, benefit fraud is so easy that even a hotel cleaner can make useful money doing it for years.
A fraudster who swindled more than £82,000 in benefits while working as a hotel cleaner has been jailed.
Liverpool crown court heard Mark Hughes, 48, began claiming a string of benefits in January 2003, saying he was too ill to work.
But just four months after applying for them he took a job working for Central Hotel in Birkenhead as a cleaner.
The court heard over the next six years he repeatedly lied to the authorities about being in employment to receive income support and housing and council tax benefit to which he wasn’t entitled.
Over the life of the scam Hughes was overpaid a total of £82,500 from the public purse.
But the court heard that if Hughes, who has a lengthy record of previous convictions, had been honest with the authorities he would have been entitled to about £30,000 in working tax credits.
He was arrested in December 2009 and initially denied the offences, before consulting with his wife and admitting his scam.
He told investigators he owed money to a loan shark and would have had his legs broken if he didn’t pay them. Hughes said: “I know it was illegal, I know I should have declared it, but I had no options.”
Jailing him for seven months, Judge Robert Warnock said: “I must make it clear that all those involved in benefit fraud, particularly benefit fraud of this magnitude and this persistence, that only a custodial sentence can follow.”
Female supporters of Hughes, from Birkenhead, wept in the public gallery as he was sentenced.
But John Weate, defending, said Hughes, who admitted 10 counts of benefit fraud, was realistic about his fate.
He said: “This is not a defendant who has been leading a lavish lifestyle in consequence of these offences.”
The defendant has been at the behest of those who are more criminally able than him and they have subtracted a substantial fund of money from him and his family over a period of time.” Mr Weate told how Hughes suffers from serious health problems and is due to undergo an operation to try and save his eyesight.
He was able to steal tens of thousands of pounds from us over several years. It doesn't seem to have been very difficult.
A fraudster who swindled more than £82,000 in benefits while working as a hotel cleaner has been jailed.
Liverpool crown court heard Mark Hughes, 48, began claiming a string of benefits in January 2003, saying he was too ill to work.
But just four months after applying for them he took a job working for Central Hotel in Birkenhead as a cleaner.
The court heard over the next six years he repeatedly lied to the authorities about being in employment to receive income support and housing and council tax benefit to which he wasn’t entitled.
Over the life of the scam Hughes was overpaid a total of £82,500 from the public purse.
But the court heard that if Hughes, who has a lengthy record of previous convictions, had been honest with the authorities he would have been entitled to about £30,000 in working tax credits.
He was arrested in December 2009 and initially denied the offences, before consulting with his wife and admitting his scam.
He told investigators he owed money to a loan shark and would have had his legs broken if he didn’t pay them. Hughes said: “I know it was illegal, I know I should have declared it, but I had no options.”
Jailing him for seven months, Judge Robert Warnock said: “I must make it clear that all those involved in benefit fraud, particularly benefit fraud of this magnitude and this persistence, that only a custodial sentence can follow.”
Female supporters of Hughes, from Birkenhead, wept in the public gallery as he was sentenced.
But John Weate, defending, said Hughes, who admitted 10 counts of benefit fraud, was realistic about his fate.
He said: “This is not a defendant who has been leading a lavish lifestyle in consequence of these offences.”
The defendant has been at the behest of those who are more criminally able than him and they have subtracted a substantial fund of money from him and his family over a period of time.” Mr Weate told how Hughes suffers from serious health problems and is due to undergo an operation to try and save his eyesight.
He was able to steal tens of thousands of pounds from us over several years. It doesn't seem to have been very difficult.
2 Nov 2010
Depressing but probably common
The Sun carries the story of the claimant told the BBC he faced eviction from his council flat and a life on the streets because the coalition's housing benefit reforms would leave him unable to pay his rent and bills.
He told the BBC he "worked his butt off" to get the flat, but now he has admitted he quit his last job because the £93 weekly pay was not good enough.
He's not a fraudster, just a logical scrounger.
Of course The Sun gives it in the neck to the BBC for biased reporting.
He told the BBC he "worked his butt off" to get the flat, but now he has admitted he quit his last job because the £93 weekly pay was not good enough.
He's not a fraudster, just a logical scrounger.
Of course The Sun gives it in the neck to the BBC for biased reporting.
1 Nov 2010
The titled widow benefit fraud story
A titled widow who helped to swindle £90,000 of taxpayers' cash in benefits was jailed for 12 weeks today.
Lady Oriol Bowden, 70, was convicted of accepting housing benefits as a landlady which she was not entitled to.
Her partner, Graham Young, was jailed for 12 months after he claimed to be Lady Bowden's lodger at the Putney home so he could draw ten of thousands of pounds in benefits from Hammersmith and Fulham Council, as well as Council Tax benefit and pension credits.
More
The couple were arrested back in 2008.
Lady Oriol Bowden, 70, was convicted of accepting housing benefits as a landlady which she was not entitled to.
Her partner, Graham Young, was jailed for 12 months after he claimed to be Lady Bowden's lodger at the Putney home so he could draw ten of thousands of pounds in benefits from Hammersmith and Fulham Council, as well as Council Tax benefit and pension credits.
More
The couple were arrested back in 2008.
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