People urged to shop benefit cheats in Yeovil

A NEW appeal has gone out for people in the Yeovil and surrounding area to tell council officials about those they suspect of being benefit cheats.

South Somerset District Council has asked people to contact the authority's investigations team about anyone they know or believe are committing benefit fraud.

People can phone the investigations team on 01935-462208 or write to Investigation Section, Freepot RSHR-TEUC-GHBL, South Somerset  District Council, Brympton Way, Yeovil, Somerset BA20 2HT, or email the council at Benefits.Investigation@southsomerset.gov.uk .

Alternatively, you can contact the National Fraud Hotline free on 0800 328 6340 (Textphone 0800 328 6341).

Although the council is looking to snare those who are deliberately flouting the system, the authority is also stressing that people who are on benefits need to make sure that they are claiming what they are actually entitled to claim or they too run the risk of finding themselves in court.

It comes after a case last week at South Somerset Magistrates Court in which a Yeovil man had claimed housing benefit from the council, but had failed to declare that he had moved out and was continuing to receive money for a home he no longer occupied.

The man was charged with over £5,000 benefit fraud covering the period from January 2012 to March 2013.

Council leader, Cllr Ric Pallister, said: "It is important to tell us about any changes in the household circumstances when claiming benefit.

"Not only could you end up with a criminal record, but you could also have a large overpayment to pay back.  In addition to this, the Government are introducing penalties for fraud and late notification of changes.

"These penalties will prevent benefit being paid, in some cases, for up to three years. If you are not sure, it is important you get in touch with the council and ask for help.”

The court case at Yeovil last week heard that the man had been spending three or four nights a week at his father's home because he had been ill.

Solicitor Chris Ivory told the court that his client had not done it deliberately, but had just "forgotten" to tell the council he had left his property.

The unemployed man pleaded guilty and was sentenced to a 12-month community with 100 hours of unpaid work. He was also orderd to pay £60 towards prosecution costs and repay the council.

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