Bracknell

A Bracknell man who fraudulently claimed almost £7,000 in council tax and housing benefits has been told he must serve 16 weeks behind bars.

The offender pleaded guilty to fraudulently claiming £5,989.10 housing benefit and £1,000.81 council tax, after failing to tell Bracknell Forest Borough Council he was no longer claiming job seekers allowance.

He was sentenced to 16 weeks in prison on Thursday, May 8, after Slough magistrates felt he had committed 'a serious offence to the public purse’. An appeal was dismissed by Her Honour Judge Mowat at Reading Crown Court on Friday, May 23, who decided the sentence imposed by the magistrates was appropriate.

The Bracknell Council has a team of officers who investigate possible cases of residents fraudulently claiming benefits, and has started formal proceedings against 51 people since April last year.

The benefit investigation officers work with the Council’s legal officers who normally represent the Council in court. There have been 15 successful prosecutions, with a further eight outstanding; the other actions have resulted in formal cautions or administration penalties.

Stuart Mudie, Chief Officer: Housing, said: It is disappointing that people think it is acceptable to claim benefits illegally, but we will continue to investigate any allegations of fraud.

”If you think you know someone who is illegally claiming benefits, call the Council and let us know.”

Cllr Dale Birch, Executive Member for Bracknell Adult Services, Health and Housing, said: This conviction really does prove that crime doesn’t pay.

The Council actively seeks out potential fraud – we are alerted by a number of systems about where this may be the case - and we will prosecute people illegally claiming benefits. It is important therefore to please let us know immediately if your circumstances change or if you think you’re getting too much money.”

Bracknell Council is committed to ensuring that benefit is only paid to people who are entitled to it. If you know of someone who you think may be committing fraud please call 01344 351307 and ask to speak to a Benefits Investigation Officer, or report it online at www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk. Alternatively call the confidential and free Cheatchasers line on 0800 590437.

To avoid the potential of prosecution, contact the Council within one month of any changes in circumstance. Write to PO Box 3781, Time Square, Market Street, Bracknell, RG12 1HJ; email benefits@bracknell-forest.gov.uk; or call 01344 351866.

Bracknell Forest Council