Solihull Council – tackling benefit fraud
From Cabinet Member for Resources, Councillor Ken Hawkins on 09 February 2010
Solihull Council has successfully taken action against 12 residents who fraudulently overclaimed more than £30,000 in benefits.
In the 12 cases completed by the Council since the beginning of December 2009, a total of £32,652.24 in benefits was fraudulently claimed by individuals trying to cheat the system. In all cases the perpetrators have been proven to have committed fraud and are required to repay the benefit overpayment. In some cases, people were also been issued with fines.
For example, a 25-year-old woman from Chelmsley Wood was prosecuted following a successful joint investigation between the Council and Solihull Jobcentre Plus, after she failed to report to either organisation that her partner who was in full time work , had moved into her property and they were living as man and wife. After appearing at Solihull Magistrates and pleading guilty to two charges of failing to report her change in circumstances, she was given a six month Supervised Community Order and ordered to repay the £5,850 Housing and Council Tax benefits and Income Support overpaid to her.
Cabinet Member for Resources, Councillor Ken Hawkins said: “We want to ensure that benefits are reaching those who are entitled to them. Unfortunately, there is a minority of people who think it’s acceptable to take money away from those who really need it and from the pockets of hard working tax payers, by being dishonest about their circumstances. We want to send these people the message that we will track them down and take action.”
Anyone who suspects someone is claiming benefits to which they may not be entitled can report it anonymously by calling 0800 328 6340.
It is the responsibility of anyone receiving Council Tax or Housing benefits to let the Council know if their circumstances change. Changes can be reported to the Council by calling 0121 704 6214 or emailing benefits@solihull.gov.uk
For press and media enquiries only: 0121 704 6136
Email: juharrison@solihull.gov.uk