27/3/2008

Local News

Benefit cheat's £27,000 bill

A 68-year-old Farnborough man who fiddled an astonishing £27,000 of benefits he was not entitled to has to pay back the lot – and do 150 hours’ unpaid work.
John Dennis Trowsdale  of Alexandra Road, Farnborough, appeared at Winchester Crown Court, where he admitted to three charges of benefit fraud after falsely claiming the benefits over five years while he was working.
The court heard he claimed income support totalling £9,214.15 between 2001 and 2003, pension credit totalling £10,580.82 between 2003 and 2006 as well as housing and council tax benefit from Rushmoor Council totalling £7,585.74 between 2002 and 2006.
He had previously appeared before Aldershot Magistrates’ Court and was referred to Winchester Crown Court for sentencing on March 7. He was also ordered to pay £100 costs.
The council is currently negotiating with Mr Trowsdale over the details of repayment.
Coun Paul Taylor, Cabinet Member for Corporate Services at Rushmoor Council, said: “People claiming benefits that they are not entitled to should realise that they won’t stay undetected for long.  The council has a duty to protect the public purse from anyone making a fraudulent claim and the courts take this offence very seriously.”
Ian Harrison, the council’s head of customer services, said: “If anyone is unsure about their benefit entitlement we would urge them to contact our benefit team on 01252 398 914.  Any change in circumstances can affect benefit entitlement, so it is really important that residents contact us to let us know of any changes.”
Changes in circumstances that can affect benefit entitlement include increases or decreases in working hours or earnings, people moving in or out of the property or a son or daughter (not in full-time education) turning 18.
He  added: “The council also has a fraud hotline and anyone who suspects benefit fraud can contact us confidentially on 0800 7311955.”
For further information about benefits, residents can visit www.rushmoor.gov.uk/benefits