Pembrey man in court for benefit fraud
A Pembrey man has been prosecuted for fraudulently claiming more than £1,000 in housing benefit and council tax benefit.
Anthony John Watkins-Conde appeared before Ammanford Magistrates Court on Monday for sentencing after pleading guilty at an earlier hearing to failing to declare a change in circumstances, contrary to S.112 Social Security Administration Act 1992.
The court was told that he failed to declare that his wife had been working from August 12, 2008, to January 1, 2009.
Thirty three-year-old Watkins-Conde, of Danlan Road, Pembrey, had been overpaid £902.50 housing benefit and £277.67 Council Tax Benefit. He was given a 12 month conditional discharge. He will have to repay the overpayment.
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.
Anthony John Watkins-Conde appeared before Ammanford Magistrates Court on Monday for sentencing after pleading guilty at an earlier hearing to failing to declare a change in circumstances, contrary to S.112 Social Security Administration Act 1992.
The court was told that he failed to declare that his wife had been working from August 12, 2008, to January 1, 2009.
Thirty three-year-old Watkins-Conde, of Danlan Road, Pembrey, had been overpaid £902.50 housing benefit and £277.67 Council Tax Benefit. He was given a 12 month conditional discharge. He will have to repay the overpayment.
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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