Man with two jobs convicted of benefit fraud

A man who claimed housing benefit and council tax benefit despite having two jobs has been convicted in his absence at the Southern Derbyshire Magistrates’ Court in Ilkeston following a prosecution by Amber Valley Borough Council.

John Draper (45), formerly of West Street, Heanor, was ordered to pay a fine of £400 (£200 for each offence) and costs of £125, payable in full within 28 days.

Mr Draper first claimed housing benefit and council tax benefit from Amber Valley Borough Council in July 2006. His claims were reviewed on several occasions and, based upon the information and evidence he provided, benefit payments continued. Letters were sent to Mr Draper informing him of the entitlement, specifically stating that he must inform the Council immediately of any change in his circumstances, including changes to his income.

To combat fraud and ensure that the information held by the Council is accurate, regular checks are conducted with partner organisations. A check in relation to Mr Draper’s claim was carried out and it revealed that his job seeker’s allowance ceased on 23 July 2006. He had not informed the Council of this change and so a fraud investigation was commenced.

Mark Griffiths, Benefits and Customer Service Manager at Amber Valley Borough Council said, “During an interview under caution at the Council’s offices, Mr Draper admitted that he had been working for Dairy Crest and Ladbrokes whilst in receipt of the benefits. The benefits were paid by way of cheques being sent to his home and, during the interview, he said that he forgot to inform the Council of his employment.

“This would have affected his entitlement to benefit and consequently benefit payments were suspended. The overpayments for the period from 31 July 2006 to 5 March 2007 were calculated and for the housing benefit was £2,208.96, and for the council tax benefit was £422.08. Mr Draper never made any appeal against the overpayments and they were paid in full in January of this year.”

Ends.

For more information please contact Lisa Garnham, PR and Communications Manager at Amber Valley Borough Council, on 01773 841655.

Notes for editors

1)Amber Valley Borough Council is responsible for processing applications for housing benefit and council tax benefit from residents in its area and making payments where entitlement exists. The Council uses the information provided on the forms that are submitted to determine the extent, if at all, of benefit entitlement. Once benefit is being paid, the Council periodically reviews claimants’ circumstances to determine whether there have been any changes that would affect entitlement.