Taxi driver told to pay back £10,000
A taxi driver falsely claimed more than £10,000 after setting up a cash saving account with £50,000 of his own money, a court heard.
Carl Oliver failed to inform Shropshire Council of a £50,000 lump sum he received as a result of selling his home following a divorce, Shrewsbury Magistrates Court was told. The total over-payment of housing benefit to Oliver before he closed the account two years ago was calculated to be £10,029.28.
The 47-year-old, who made his first claim for benefits in 2010, admitted two counts of failing to notify a change of circumstances affecting housing benefits when he appeared at court.
Mr Mike Davies, prosecuting, said: "As soon as there is a change in circumstances you must notify the benefit agency.
"He originally claimed benefits as he was a single man with a low income as a taxi driver.
"Information came to light that the defendant had an increase in income. He had £50,000 in an account. The account was closed in 2013 and the bank notified the authorities.
"He attended an interview and was frank and open.
"He believed as the money was placed in an ISA he didn't need to declare it as he could not touch it."
Mr Euros Jones, for Oliver, said ignorance to the law was no defence.
He said Oliver was full and frank in interview and when he made his initial claim it had been genuine.
"Oliver received £50,000 from a house settlement and when the process was over he put the money in an ISA ready to buy his own house," he said.
"He is a hard working taxi driver. He didn't understand that he had to declare the information. He wasn't fraudulent from the outset."
Oliver, of Hill Crest in Penley near Ellesmere, was ordered to pay £200, given a 12-month community order and told to complete 240 hours of unpaid work.
