Shrewsbury benefit cheat fined after claiming £640

Barry Swain, 32, of Mount Pleasant Road, claimed housing benefit and council tax benefit but failed to tell Shropshire Council he was in paid employment.

As a result, between September 20, 2010 and November 21, 2010 he benefited from £640.83 to which he was not entitled.

At Telford magistrates court on Friday Swain admitted the offences and was ordered to pay a total of £200 as well as being told to pay back the money he claimed. He had previously ignored an offer of a caution from Shropshire Council.

Frances Darling, service manager for safer and stronger communities at the council, said: "This case did not involve a significant amount of money or an extended period of time over which the benefit was claimed.

"On this basis, and in line with our enforcement policy, we deemed it appropriate to offer Mr Swain a 'simple caution'. By failing to acknowledge this offer, Mr Swain ended up being arrested and going through a court hearing that resulted in him having to pay a total of £200 in addition to repaying the benefit to which he was not entitled and he also now has a criminal record.

"It is the responsibility of people claiming housing benefit and council tax support to declare any income or capital to the council plus any other 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 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."