13 June 2008: Housing and Council Tax Benefit fraud case prosecuted by Lewes District Council

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On 9 June 2008 Mr Adam Sommerford of Trafalgar Close Peacehaven was prosecuted for failing to notify a change in his circumstances that affected his entitlement to Housing and Council Tax Benefit, namely that his entitlement to Jobseekers Allowance had ended.

Mr Sommerford received Housing Benefit of £1907.50 and Council Tax Benefit of £466.28 to which he had no entitlement and that Lewes District Council has asked that Mr Sommerford repays.  He pleaded guilty to the offence and was sentenced to a two year conditional discharge, full costs of £225.00 and a victim surcharge of £15.

Lewes District Councils 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