Prosecutions serve as a reminder to benefit claimants

Shropshire Council’s public protection service is reminding housing benefit and council tax benefit claimants of their statutory duty to promptly notify the council’s benefits service of changes in circumstances that might affect their entitlement to these benefits. 

The advice follows successful prosecutions on 26 July 2013 and 2 August 2013 where Shropshire Council brought cases under the Social Security Administration Act 1992 against three benefit claimants. 

Trevor Crowther, 65, from Church Stretton, claimed housing benefit and council tax benefit, but failed to give prompt notification to Shropshire Council that his average earnings had increased.  This meant that between 7 September 2009 and 8 July 2012 he received benefit of over £7,750 to which he was not entitled.  He pleaded guilty to the offence and was sentenced to a two-year Conditional Discharge and ordered by Telford Magistrates Court to pay £150 costs to Shropshire Council. 

Karen Harris and Mark Harris, a couple in their early 50s from Shrewsbury, claimed housing benefit and council tax benefit, but failed to disclose to Shropshire Council increases in Mrs Harris’ earnings and Mr Harris’ commencement of employment.  This meant that between 5 July 2010 and 1 July 2012 they benefited from around £4,850 to which they were not entitled.  Both husband and wife pleaded guilty to the offences and were sentenced to fines of £55 and £150 respectively, and ordered by Shrewsbury Magistrates Court to pay separate costs of £75 to Shropshire Council. 

In addition to their sentences, the claimants will also be liable to pay back the benefits that they were not entitled to. 

Public protection investigation officers are reminding benefit claimants that they must declare the correct information at the time of their application, and notify any subsequent changes in circumstances at the time they occur, to avoid breaches of benefits legislation.  

Frances Darling, service manager for safer and stronger communities within public protection, said:

“It is the responsibility of people claiming housing benefit and council tax benefit to declare any income or earnings to the council, plus any other changes to their circumstances. Where people fail to do this, the council will investigate the matter and will require the money to be repaid.  In addition, we will not hesitate to prosecute where this is appropriate.” 

Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member responsible for public protection, added:

“Claimants need to be aware that benefit fraud will not be tolerated in Shropshire.  We have a duty to protect the public purse and to ensure that those members of our community who genuinely need financial assistance through the benefits system have the help and support they need.  Claimants who obtain benefits that they are not entitled to undermine the efficiency and effectiveness of the welfare benefits system.  I strongly urge all claimants to provide the benefits service with accurate claim information at all times, and to promptly provide any changes to their circumstances that may affect their entitlement to benefits.”  

Shropshire Council encourages individuals and businesses to contact its public protection service on 0345 678 9000 if they have any suspicions that offences may be being committed.  Information can be given anonymously and will always be treated in line with the council’s information governance policies. 

Benefits advice can be obtained from the council’s benefits options team on 01743 258922, or general advice can be found on our website here.