Archive Council News

12.01.05

Wrexham's Housing Benefit Team the Best in Wales

Wrexham's Housing Benefit Fraud Team is the best in Wales according to the Department for Works and Pensions 2003/04 statistics. The Team continue to save council tax payers money by their diligence and hard work.

Latest figures show the team have dealt with over 150 cases of fraud since April and issued over 130 cautions or penalties. A further 20 fraudsters found themselves in court and in December another two successful prosecutions took place. Pauline McFarlane was found guilty of fraudulently claiming over £2,000 in benefits that she wasn't entitled to because she was working. Terry Richards, claimed over £500 in benefits after failing to inform Wrexham Council that he had returned to work.

The Council's benefit fraud team is a small but dedicated and successful team of officers who ensure that benefits are paid only to those who need them and not to those who try to swindle the system.

Benefit cheats take money that could be spent on other services and investigating officers have to work sensitively and confidentially to ensure they are caught and punished. Sanctions against offenders range from formal cautions to prosecutions at the Crown or Magistrates Courts.

Mark Owen, Wrexham's Chief Finance and Performance Officer, said:

"Fraud is a serious offence and those prosecuted can face a custodial sentence. We work closely with the Department for Work and Pensions investigators to ensure that only those entitled to benefits receive them. Those abusing the system will continue to be caught and I encourage anyone with information about potential fraud to ring the fraud hotline on 01978 292728 or e-mail stampoutfraud@wrexham.gov.uk."