Ammanford benefit man prosecuted
An Ammanford man has been prosecuted for fraudulently claiming benefit when he was working.
Marc Anthony Richards was convicted in his absence of failing to declare a change in circumstances, contrary to the Social Security Administration Act 1992.
He appeared before Llanelli Magistrates Court last week when he was given an 18 months Community Order with a requirement to form 120 hours unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay full costs of £339.
The court was told that 37-year-old Richards, of College Street, Ammanford, was awarded housing benefit and council tax benefit based upon his partner’s earnings and award of Working Tax Credit. Richards claimed for himself, his partner and two children at their privately rented home in Tan Y Gelli, Ammanford.
An investigation was undertaken by Carmarthenshire County Council following information obtained on a National Fraud Initiative which showed Richards had been in work. Overpayments of £3,329.82 housing benefit and £751.49 council tax benefit were recorded. The council will take civil action to recover the overpayments.
Anyone wishing to report a suspicion of benefit fraud can do so on the hotline number 0800 801116 or via the council website.
Council executive board member for resources Cllr Wyn Evans said: “The council is anxious that as many people as possible claim the council tax benefit that they are rightfully entitled to.
“However, we are also determined to crack down on fraudulent claims that are a drain on the public purse, taking money that could otherwise be used for funding essential services. This offence is taking money from every council tax payer.”
Marc Anthony Richards was convicted in his absence of failing to declare a change in circumstances, contrary to the Social Security Administration Act 1992.
He appeared before Llanelli Magistrates Court last week when he was given an 18 months Community Order with a requirement to form 120 hours unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay full costs of £339.
The court was told that 37-year-old Richards, of College Street, Ammanford, was awarded housing benefit and council tax benefit based upon his partner’s earnings and award of Working Tax Credit. Richards claimed for himself, his partner and two children at their privately rented home in Tan Y Gelli, Ammanford.
An investigation was undertaken by Carmarthenshire County Council following information obtained on a National Fraud Initiative which showed Richards had been in work. Overpayments of £3,329.82 housing benefit and £751.49 council tax benefit were recorded. The council will take civil action to recover the overpayments.
Anyone wishing to report a suspicion of benefit fraud can do so on the hotline number 0800 801116 or via the council website.
Council executive board member for resources Cllr Wyn Evans said: “The council is anxious that as many people as possible claim the council tax benefit that they are rightfully entitled to.
“However, we are also determined to crack down on fraudulent claims that are a drain on the public purse, taking money that could otherwise be used for funding essential services. This offence is taking money from every council tax payer.”
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