A man has been sentenced for fraudulently claiming more than £22,000 in benefits while working as a taxi and delivery driver.
Larry Gough, of Lambert Terrace, appeared at Gloucester Crown Court on January 8, where he received a 12-month community order for making false benefit claims.
The fraud involved council tax reduction, housing benefit and pension credit claims from Tewkesbury Borough Council and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
Gough fraudulently claimed £2,212.37 in council tax reduction from September 2020 to August 2023.
He also dishonestly obtained £8,285.61 in housing benefit from Tewkesbury Borough Council.
The largest sum was £11,726.33 in pension credit claimed from the Department for Work and Pensions.
At Cheltenham Magistrates' Court, he pleaded guilty to making false representations under both the Council Tax Reduction Scheme regulations and the Social Security Administration Act.
The fraud was uncovered when Gough failed to notify authorities that he was employed as both a taxi driver and delivery driver.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
His undeclared employment meant he was not entitled to the benefits he claimed.
The investigation was launched after the council received reports about Gough's circumstances.
Officers from the council's Counter Fraud and Enforcement Unit worked alongside DWP colleagues to investigate the case.
As part of his sentence, Gough was ordered to complete 80 hours of unpaid work.
The court also ordered him to pay a £95 surcharge.
The prosecution was brought by the Crown Prosecution Service on behalf of the DWP in connection with the pension credit and housing benefit claims.
Tewkesbury Borough Council's lead member for Finance and Asset Management, Councillor Stewart Dove, emphasised the council's commitment to protecting public funds.
"Tewkesbury Borough Council is committed to ensuring that public funds are used appropriately and that those who attempt to defraud the system are held accountable," he said.
He added: "This successful prosecution demonstrates our dedication to protecting the integrity of our welfare system and supporting those who genuinely need assistance. We encourage residents to report any suspicions of fraud to help us maintain fairness and justice in our community."
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Larry Gough, of Lambert Terrace, appeared at Gloucester Crown Court on January 8, where he received a 12-month community order for making false benefit claims.
The fraud involved council tax reduction, housing benefit and pension credit claims from Tewkesbury Borough Council and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
Gough fraudulently claimed £2,212.37 in council tax reduction from September 2020 to August 2023.
He also dishonestly obtained £8,285.61 in housing benefit from Tewkesbury Borough Council.
The largest sum was £11,726.33 in pension credit claimed from the Department for Work and Pensions.
At Cheltenham Magistrates' Court, he pleaded guilty to making false representations under both the Council Tax Reduction Scheme regulations and the Social Security Administration Act.
The fraud was uncovered when Gough failed to notify authorities that he was employed as both a taxi driver and delivery driver.
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His undeclared employment meant he was not entitled to the benefits he claimed.
The investigation was launched after the council received reports about Gough's circumstances.
Officers from the council's Counter Fraud and Enforcement Unit worked alongside DWP colleagues to investigate the case.
As part of his sentence, Gough was ordered to complete 80 hours of unpaid work.
The court also ordered him to pay a £95 surcharge.
The prosecution was brought by the Crown Prosecution Service on behalf of the DWP in connection with the pension credit and housing benefit claims.
Tewkesbury Borough Council's lead member for Finance and Asset Management, Councillor Stewart Dove, emphasised the council's commitment to protecting public funds.
"Tewkesbury Borough Council is committed to ensuring that public funds are used appropriately and that those who attempt to defraud the system are held accountable," he said.
He added: "This successful prosecution demonstrates our dedication to protecting the integrity of our welfare system and supporting those who genuinely need assistance. We encourage residents to report any suspicions of fraud to help us maintain fairness and justice in our community."
Find Out More...