Anthony Falconer, 48, from Chestnut Mews, Melksham, has obtained over £12,000 in benefits he was not entitled to, as he failed to declare to the council that he started work.
Anthony Falconer continued to receive housing benefit into his bank account for almost two years. He attended Swindon Magistrates Court on 14th April 2014 and pleaded guilty to charges under the Social Security Administration Act 1992 of dishonestly failing to inform the council. He was awarded a Community Sentence with a requirement to complete 100 hours and to co-operate with Probation.
A contribution towards costs of £50 was ordered. Anthony Falconer not only now has a criminal record, he will also be expected to pay back all the overpaid benefits. Wiltshire Council administers housing benefit and council tax benefit on behalf of central government to help those of limited means to meet their rent and Council Tax liability. The Department for Work and Pensions administer other income related benefits including income support for lone parents.
The customer is required to declare any income, capital or other members of the household as part of the assessment process, and has to provide proof in the form of original documents to verify the details of their claim for these benefits. Each customer signs a declaration that they understand that if they give a false statement on their claim that they can be prosecuted. Applicants are under a legal obligation to report any changes in their circumstances. The council is very keen to stamp out benefit fraud and will take action against those found to be cheating the system. If anyone has any information that can help catch a benefit cheat, call Wiltshire Council’s confidential hotline on 01249 706256 or the National Fraud Hotline on 0800 854440.
Benefit fraud can also be reported on the council’s website www.wiltshire. gov.uk/benefitfraud. People do not have to give their name, and they can be assured of complete confidentiality at all times.
