A Llandeilo man has been sentenced to a community order for falsely claiming more than £4,000 in benefits.
Thomas Peter Tudor Williams, of Rhos Deg, Llandeilo, appeared before Carmarthen Magistrates Court last week for sentencing for an offence contrary to Section 112 of the Social Security Administration Act 1992. He had pleaded guilty to the offence.
The court was told that Williams failed to declare a change in his circumstances – specifically that his wife, Louise Williams, had commenced employment as a catering assistant for Carmarthenshire County Council in September 2011, initially on a casual posting before being made permanent in September 2012. She finished her employment in July 2013.
He was interviewed under caution and admitted the offence. As a result of the offence he had been overpaid Housing Benefit of £4288.99 and Council Tax Benefit of £572.62.
He was given a 12 month community order and ordered to undertake 50 hours of unpaid work, as well as being ordered to pay £200 costs and a victim surcharge of £60.
Council executive board member for resources Cllr Jeff Edmunds said: “The county council wants people who are entitled to Council Tax Benefit and Housing Benefit to claim what they are rightfully entitled to.
“However, we are also determined to crack down on fraudulent claims. These offences take money from the public purse that could otherwise be used for funding essential services. It is taking money from every council tax payer.”
Members of the public can report any suspicion of benefit fraud in the county via the Carmarthenshire County Council Fraud Hotline 0800 – 801116 or via the council website.
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