Benefit cheat given suspended sentence

Date:  14 February 2007

A local resident was found guilty of benefit fraud at Dacorum Magistrates Court on Thursday 8 February after a joint investigation between Three Rivers District Council and the Department for Work and Pensions.

Derek Waller, of Grove Bank, Oxhey, claimed Housing and Council Tax Benefits between October 2002 and February 2005 on the basis that he was single and receiving Income Support.

However, Mr Waller had failed to tell the authorities that he had got married in 2002, and that his wife was in full-time employment, which would have affected his benefit entitlement.

The total amount overpaid was £8,863.49.  Mr Waller pleaded guilty to three offences under the Social Security Administration Act 2002 at Watford Magistrates Court on 17 January and was sentenced on 8 February to 3 months custody for each offence, suspended for 12 months.

Councillor Richard Struck, Resources portfolio holder, says:

"This case really brings home the fact that residents receiving benefits absolutely must inform us of any change in their circumstances.  Failing to inform us is no small matter and it is benefit fraud.  We will have no hesitation in taking action including prosecution against anyone committing benefit fraud.

"We have worked closely with the Department for Work and Pensions throughout this case and we are pleased that a successful prosecution was the result."

James Plaskitt, DWP Anti-Fraud Minister said:

" Closer working with our local authority partners means that we know where and when people try to commit benefit fraud. Cheats should be warned: We're on to you."

The fraud came to light when Mr Waller submitted a new benefits claim form in June 2005, disclosing for the first time that he was married.  This discrepancy was referred to the Council's fraud investigations team by the Council's benefits officers and an investigation began.  Despite getting married in 2002, Mr Waller had continued to claim benefits declaring that he was single.

The District Council is urging residents to report any suspicions that someone they know may be committing benefit fraud.  All information will be treated in strictest confidence.  Contact the confidential fraud hotline 01923 727190, email fraud@threerivers.gov.uk, or complete a benefit fraud referral form.