Guilty benefit claimant to repay £32,644

Stratford-on-Avon District Council underlined its commitment to cracking down on benefit fraud following a recent successful prosecution at Leamington Spa Justice Centre.

On 25 July, Mr Trevor Waters, aged 42 of Loxley Road, Stratford-upon-Avon, pleaded guilty to charges of fraudulently obtaining from Stratford-on-Avon District Council, Housing Benefit of £27,269 and Council Tax Benefit of £5,375 over a 4-year period as a result of failing to declare a change in circumstances which would have affected his benefit. 

Mr Waters did not tell the District Council that he was living with his then partner who was in full time work and whenever there had been an opportunity for Mr Waters to advise the District Council of his true circumstances, he continued the deceit, which he also hid from his partner, until it was discovered by District Council Investigators.  When interviewed in person and challenged, Mr Waters at once admitted the allegation and co-operated with subsequent enquiries. 

Mr Waters is now required to repay to the District Council all the monies which were falsely obtained and has also been given an 18-month supervised community sentence.

Cllr Maurice Howse, Enterprise, Housing & Revenues Portfolio says: “Stratford District Council remains committed to tackling benefit fraud.  In these tough financial times there are many residents who are in genuine need of the help and support that benefits provide and that's why we are committed to catching fraudsters and making sure that benefits are only paid to those who are legitimately entitled to them. 

"As a result of his actions, Mr Waters now faces having to repay the significant debt and his good name has been tarnished by carrying out the prolonged deception at the taxpayers' expense.  In bringing this action, Stratford-on-Avon District Council reinforces it's determination to prevent, detect, pursue and punish fraud and corruption in line with Government guidelines."

The District Council would like to remind all benefit recipients to notify their changes of circumstances as soon as the change occurs – change of job, a pay rise, changes in capital and savings, or people living in the house in order to prevent large overpayments arising.

If you have any suspicions that someone is committing benefit fraud, please report them and contact the local Counter Fraud Hotline 01789 260486.  All information will be treated in confidence.