A St Clears man has been prosecuted for falsely claiming £2,640 in housing benefit.
Christopher Weeks pleaded guilty at Llanelli Magistrates Court to failing to declare a change in circumstances, contrary to Section 112 of the Social Security Administration Act 1992.
The court was told that 35-year-old Weeks had claimed housing benefit with his partner and children at a rented property Ffawydd, Llangynin, St Clears, from November 2008.
In September 209, Carmarthenshire County Council commenced an investigation into his claim for housing benefit. It was established that Weeks had vacated the property in March 2009 and had since moved to Bishopswood, Brackla, Bridgend.
As a result, Weeks fraudulently obtained £2,640 in housing benefit. He was fined £115 and ordered to pay £307 costs. He will also have to repay all of the overpaid benefit.
This was the 10th successful prosecution achieved by the Council Investigation Section this financial year, six of which have been jointly undertaken with the DWP Investigation Section.
Council executive board member for resources Cllr Wyn Evans said:
“The Council is anxious that as many people as possible claim the housing benefit that they are rightfully entitled to.
“However, we are also determined to crack down on fraudulent claims that are a drain on the public purse, taking money that could otherwise be used for funding essential services. This offence is taking money from every Council Tax payer.”
Members of the public can report any suspicions of benefit fraud in the county via the Carmarthenshire County Council Fraud Hotline 0800 – 801116 or via the Council website.
