Legal News
Conditional discharge for Council Tax fraudster (18 April 2016)
Date: 18/04/2016
A benefit claimant from Bodmin in Cornwall has pleaded guilty to benefit fraud relating to Council Tax Support fraud totalling £856.04.
Terence Keat, 49, of West Park, Wadebridge in Bodmin appeared before Bodmin Magistrates’ Court on and pleaded guilty to one count of fraud.
The court heard that Keat had returned to paid employment and had dishonestly failed to declare this to Cornwall Council, which resulted in him receiving Council Tax Support to which he was not entitled.
He was given a two-year Conditional Discharge – and was also ordered to pay the full council costs of £1,570.04 and a Victim Surcharge of £15.
The overpaid Council Tax Support is being recovered from Keat by Cornwall Council in separate legal action.
The council says it operates a zero tolerance policy to fraud and corruption – and the public is asked to contact the council with any suspicions about benefit fraud or other forms of fraud.
Duncan Lewis Benefit Fraud Solicitors
Duncan Lewis benefit fraud solicitors can advise at any stage of a charge relating to benefit fraud, including allegations of fraud involving:
• Blue Badge fraud
• Bedroom Tax fraud
• Child Tax Credits fraud
• Council Tax Support fraud
• Disability Allowance fraud
• Housing Benefit fraud
• Income Support fraud
• Jobseeker’s Allowance fraud
• Pension Credits fraud
• PIP fraud
• Working Tax Credits fraud
• Universal Credit fraud.
There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide and a specialist benefit fraud solicitor can attend interviews with council fraud investigators and the DWP.
For expert legal advice on benefit fraud charges, call Duncan Lewis benefit fraud solicitors on 0333 772 0409.