Money problems no excuse for benefit fraud

THE leader of South Somerset District Council, Cllr Ric Pallister, has said that money problems are no excuse for people getting sucked into committing benefit fraud.

It comes following the latest case to be heard at Yeovil Magistrates Court which heard how a woman had claimed more than £3,000 in benefits which she was not entitled to receive.

The court heard that her family business suffered money problems and put a strain on her relationship with her husband, but when her living circumstances changed she failed to notify the authorities and continued claiming benefits.

Cllr Pallister said: “This woman is not alone in having money problems and has our sympathy, but that is no excuse for theft.

“Everyone is struggling at the moment and the council is no exception.”

Cllr Pallister added: “If money is paid out to people who are not entitled to receive it, it places an unnecessary burden on the tax payers of the district and could also impact on the services we provide.”

Robin Wheelan, the duty solicitor who represented the defendant, told the court that she had never been in trouble before, but accepted that she was using the housing benefit and council tax benefit to help her finances when she should not have been.

The Magistrates heard she had repaid the debt in full and sentenced her to an 18-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £75 costs to the council.

To tell South Somerset District Council about someone you know or who you believe to be committing benefit fraud, telephone the investigations team on 01935-462208 or write to Investigation Section, Freepost RSHR-TEUC-GHBL, South Somerset District Council, Brympton Way, Yeovil, Somerset BA20 2HT, or email the Council Benefits.Investigation@southsomerset.gov.uk.

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