Fraudulent claimant found out
A Wealden man who fraudulently claimed £13,600 in housing benefit has been ordered to do 280 hours unpaid work in the community by Eastbourne Magistrates.
On 6 successive occasions, since 2001 Gary Robert Williams (41) of Gorringe Close, Willingdon, had been given the opportunity to say that his landlord was a family relation, but each time he failed to tick the relevant box. But throughout this period Mr Williams had been living with his mother.
His offence was uncovered during a routine visit to the property by a Wealden District Council Benefits Officer. The person who was meant to be Mr Williams’ landlord in his £65 a week accommodation, was in fact his mother. Mr Williams, who has since co-operated fully with the Council’s officers, is now paying off the outstanding amount through a £50 a month arranged payment. He was also ordered by the court to pay the Council’s costs of £520.
“Housing benefits are there to help people who cannot afford to pay commercial rents in full,” said Cllr David Logan, Cabinet member for Finance. “We do our utmost to make sure they go to the people who need them.”
“There are important rules that must be followed in order qualify for benefits. These include being honest when filling in forms and during interviews.”
Mr Williams admitted to Eastbourne Magistrates that it was a mistake to tick the wrong box , but he did not believe it would affect his claim.
Wealden District Council works hard to pay benefits speedily and accurately to those who qualify for them but will not hesitate to prosecute anyone claiming fraudulently.
