Mr Ronald Marr continued to claim Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit after he failed to disclose to the council that he was in employment.
On 4 March 2010 Mr Marr was interviewed under caution by Watford Borough Council Investigation Officers.
On 15 July 2011 Mr Marr appeared at Watford Magistrates Court where he pleaded guilty at the first opportunity to dishonestly making a representation which he knew to be a false claim. The overpaid benefit amounted to £8,674.
Credit was given to Mr Marr for his early guilty plea and he was fined £400, reduced from £600, costs of £350 to Watford Borough Council and a £15 victim surcharge. He also has to repay all the overpaid benefit to the council.
- 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.
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