Benefit fraud clampdown

10:22am Tuesday 6th May 2008

A SUCCESSFUL prosecution has been brought against a town man as part of a crackdown on benefit fraud.

Stephen Venn, aged 46, of Villiers Road, pleaded guilty to two charges of knowingly allowing Alexandra Taylor to claim benefits to which she was not entitled, after moving in with her. As a result, council tax benefit totalling £282.67 and widows benefit totalling £2,656.63 was overpaid between December 2005 and early 2007. All benefits are being fully recovered.

“This case continues to emphasise the seriousness of benefit fraud and shows Bromsgrove District Council will work to ensure benefits are paid correctly and take legal action where necessary."

A district council spokesman

Last Wednesday, Redditch magistrates sentenced Venn to a six month conditional discharge in addition to paying prosecution costs of £100.

Taylor pleaded guilty at an earlier court hearing to three charges of failing to notify changes in her circumstances. She was given a 12-month community order with 70 hours supervised unpaid work and ordered to pay £100 costs.

The prosecution was brought by Bromsgrove District Council and the Department for Work and Pensions.

A district council spokesman said: "This case continues to emphasise the seriousness of benefit fraud and shows Bromsgrove District Council will work to ensure benefits are paid correctly and take legal action where necessary.

"It is extremely important benefit recipients report any changes to their household and financial details as soon as they occur."

Anti-fraud minister James Plaskitt said: "Closer working with our partners in local authorities means we know where and when people try to commit benefit fraud."

Suspected fraud can be reported to Bromsgrove District Council on 01527 881221 or by email to hotline@bromsgrove.gov.uk or visit www.bromsgrove.gov.uk

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