Benefit fraud success

A Worcester man was jailed for nine months after conning the benefits system out of £22,394.11 by claiming benefits for ill health, whilst working for five different employers during the period of his claim. The case was jointly investigated by the Department for Work and Pensions and Worcester City Council.

Dennis Powell, (64), of Birch Avenue, yesterday pleaded guilty, at Worcester Crown Court, to 15 charges of dishonestly claiming failing to declare work and earnings whilst in receipt of benefits.

Following a tip-off, the joint investigation found that Powell had falsely claimed £1,630.84 in Income Support, £8,798.65 in Incapacity Benefit, £7,370.04 in Pension Credit and £4,594.58 in Housing and Council Tax Benefit.

Anti-fraud Minister James Plaskitt said:

“We are taking a tough line on benefit fraudsters because they steal £700 million a year – money that should be spent on those who really need it.”

”Closer working with our partners, such as Worcester City Council, means that we know where and when people try to commit benefit fraud. Cheats should be warned: We are now saying NO IFS, NO BUTS. All benefit theft is a crime and those found breaking the law face a criminal record.”

Diane Phillips, Benefits Investigation Manager at Worcester City Council added:

“Worcester City Council considers benefit fraud to be a serious matter and Investigation Officers will protect the public purse  and use all the powers at their disposal to detect and investigate benefit fraud. Stealing money from the taxpayer is not a victimless crime as it takes money away from those who really need it.

“Worcester City Council’s Benefit Investigation Team has a strong working relationship with the Department for Work and Pensions, and we work closely together to bring those individuals who claim and receive benefit dishonestly before the court.”