On Wednesday, 24 February 2010, a Llanllyfni man pleaded guilty at Caernarfon Magistrates Court to two counts of failing to notify the Council and the department for Works and Pensions of changes in his circumstances that he knew would affect his benefit entitlement.
Michael Gerrard Roberts of 5 Maes Castell, Llanllyfni, had been claiming Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit and Income Support since 2004.
Information came to light that on 23 October 2006 Mr Roberts inherited a 1/3rd share of a property known as 3 Bryn Rhedyw – this property was later ‘let out’ to private tenants from November 2008.
Alwyn Jones, prosecuting on behalf of Gwynedd Council and the Department for Works and Pensions explained that Mr Roberts had been issued with two notification letters from Gwynedd Council since inheriting this share in 3 Bryn Rhedyw – these letters reminded the benefit claimant of their ongoing duty to notify the relevant authorities of any changes that may affect their benefit entitlement and to check the calculation details carefully.
As a result of failing to promptly notify the relevant authorities of this change in circumstance, Mr Roberts was overpaid £14,894.29. This sum was paid in full by Mr Roberts on the morning of the hearing.
Mr Roberts was fined £500 and ordered to pay £200 towards prosecution costs – there was also a victim surcharge of £15.
