Two Shropshire residents prosecuted for benefit fraud
Two Shropshire benefit claimants have pleaded guilty to benefit fraud after Shropshire Council brought cases against them.
Jeremy Sherratt, 58, from Shifnal and Susan Simpson, 58, from Bridgnorth has cases brought against them under the Social Security Administration Act 1992.
Jeremy Sherratt claimed housing benefit and council tax benefit, but failed to give prompt notification to Shropshire Council that he had started paid employment. This meant that between 6 July 2012 and 13 November 2012 he benefited from over £2,500 to which he was not entitled.
Susan Simpson claimed council tax benefit, but failed to disclose capital held by her at the time of her application, and dishonestly failed to give prompt notification to
Shropshire Council when the capital increased to exceed the prescribed level for claiming benefits. This meant that between 2 March 2009 and 29 July 2012 she received benefit of £2,200 to which she was not entitled.
Both benefit claimants pleaded guilty to the offences and were separately sentenced by the Magistrates Court to a 12-month Conditional Discharge and ordered to pay £150 costs to Shropshire Council. They will also be liable to pay back the benefits that they were not entitled to.
Frances Darling, Shropshire Council’s service manager for safer and stronger communities within public protection, said:
“It is the responsibility of people claiming housing benefit and council tax benefit to declare any income or capital to the council, plus any changes to their circumstances. Where people fail to do this, the council will investigate the matter and will require the money to be repaid. In addition, we will not hesitate to prosecute where this is appropriate.”
Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member responsible for public protection, added:
“Claimants need to be aware that benefit fraud will not be tolerated in Shropshire. We have a duty to protect the public purse and to ensure that those members of our community who genuinely need financial assistance through the benefit system have the help and support they need. Claimants who obtain benefits that they are not entitled to undermine the efficiency and effectiveness of the welfare benefit system. I strongly urge all claimants to provide the benefits service with accurate claim information at all times, and to promptly provide any changes to their circumstances that may affect their entitlement to benefits.”
