A Runcorn man has pleaded guilty to benefit fraud amounting to more than £10,000 following an investigation by Halton Borough Council.
Michael Arthur Allan, 58, of Launceston Close, Runcorn failed to declare he was in receipt of an Armed Forces Pension. He also failed to declare the bank account the pension was paid into in order to claim Council Tax Benefit and Council Tax Reduction.
Allan appeared at North Cheshire Magistrates Court on 9 September 2020 where he entered guilty pleas to two offences of dishonestly failing to disclose information and dishonestly making a false representation in order to make a gain for himself.
He was overpaid benefit totalling more than £10,700, a substantial loss to public funds.
The court imposed a fine of £730 and ordered Allan to pay £1500 towards the prosecution costs. Allan is also required to fully repay the overpaid benefit to Halton Borough Council.
Halton Borough Council continues to place great importance upon detecting fraud of any type to ensure that public funds are protected. People who commit fraud are diverting much needed funds away from vital public services. This impacts on the people who depend on those services the most; such as the elderly, the vulnerable, the sick and the disadvantaged.
If you think someone you know is claiming benefit that they are not entitled to, or committing any type of fraud against Halton Borough Council, you can report your suspicions by ringing 0151 511 7799 or via the council website www.halton.gov.uk
You can also email your suspicions to fraud@halton.gov.uk
All information received will be treated in confidence