21 May 2008: Housing and Council tax Benefit fraud case prosecuted by Lewes District Council

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On Monday 28 April Mr Martin Rome of Seaford pleaded guilty to failing to notify a change in his circumstances that affected his entitlement to benefits.  He was sentenced on 12 May to a £500 fine and costs of £225 with a victim surcharge of £15 to the court.

Mr Rome had claimed £410.43 Council Tax Benefit and £2316.35 Housing Benefit for a 6 month period to which he was not entitled because he had failed to declare that he had started work.   Lewes District Council will be seeking recovery of the overpayments in addition to the fines imposed.

Lewes District Council’s anti fraud section investigated over 200 cases of suspected benefit fraud last year. Where fraud is established, the Council always considers prosecuting, in order to protect public funds and stop further abuse of the benefits system.

We encourage the public to identify fraudulent cases by calling our Fraud Hotline on 01273 484067 (24 hour answer machine), or our Investigation Section on 01273 484065, or by e mailing fraud.section@lewes.gov.uk. All calls are treated in the strictest confidence.

The types of fraud investigated include:
• People who say they are living alone but are not,
• People who say they are not working but are,
• People who fail to declare fully their income and capital,
• False tenancies and failing to advise the Council of changes in circumstances.

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Media enquiries to Liz Lacon, Communications Manager