Llandovery man's benefit fraud
A Llandovery man has been prosecuted by claiming benefit without saying that his wife was working.
John Andrew Penman pleaded guilty at Ammanford Magistrates Court to five offences under the Social Security Administration Act 1992 of dishonestly failing to report changes in circumstances.
The court was told that housing and council tax benefit had been awarded on the basis that 58-year-old Penman and his wife were in receipt of income support and living at Victoria Crescent, Llandovery. They have since moved to Dolau Bran, Llandovery.
The Department for Work and Pensions Fraud Investigation Service invited Carmarthenshire County Council to undertake a joint investigation when they had reason to believe Mrs Penman was working as a shop assistant. Her husband was interviewed and admitted failing to declare a change in circumstances. Total overpayments were £902.26 in housing benefit, £277.55 in council tax benefit and £5,011.19 in income support.
A joint prosecution was taken by the county council and DWP Legal Services.
Penman was ordered to undertake 100 hours community punishment over 12 months and to pay £100 costs. The Council and DWP will pursue recovery of the overpaid benefit.
Council executive board member for resources Cllr Wyn Evans said: “The Council is anxious that as many people as possible claim the housing and 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.”
Members of the public can report any suspicions of benefit fraud in the county via the Carmarthenshire County Council Fraud Hotline 0800 – 801116 or via the council website.
John Andrew Penman pleaded guilty at Ammanford Magistrates Court to five offences under the Social Security Administration Act 1992 of dishonestly failing to report changes in circumstances.
The court was told that housing and council tax benefit had been awarded on the basis that 58-year-old Penman and his wife were in receipt of income support and living at Victoria Crescent, Llandovery. They have since moved to Dolau Bran, Llandovery.
The Department for Work and Pensions Fraud Investigation Service invited Carmarthenshire County Council to undertake a joint investigation when they had reason to believe Mrs Penman was working as a shop assistant. Her husband was interviewed and admitted failing to declare a change in circumstances. Total overpayments were £902.26 in housing benefit, £277.55 in council tax benefit and £5,011.19 in income support.
A joint prosecution was taken by the county council and DWP Legal Services.
Penman was ordered to undertake 100 hours community punishment over 12 months and to pay £100 costs. The Council and DWP will pursue recovery of the overpaid benefit.
Council executive board member for resources Cllr Wyn Evans said: “The Council is anxious that as many people as possible claim the housing and 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.”
Members of the public can report any suspicions of benefit fraud in the county via the Carmarthenshire County Council Fraud Hotline 0800 – 801116 or via the council website.
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