05 July 2009A Swanley benefit cheat to illegally claimed nearly £2,700 in benefit was brought to book after a joint investigation by Sevenoaks District Council and the Department for Work & Pensions.
Thirty-seven year old Richard Playfoot of Lullingstone Avenue, Swanley pleaded guilty to three charges of claiming benefits that he was not entitled to at Sevenoaks Magistrates' Court last (Tuesday 17 June 2008).
An investigation, conducted jointly by Sevenoaks District Council and the Department for Work & Pensions, established that Mr Playfoot obtained full-time employment in January 2007, but continued to claim Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit and Incapacity Benefit for a five month period, by making declarations that he was still unfit to work.
The fraud was highlighted after benefit records held by Sevenoaks District Council were matched with records held by Revenues & Customs. As a result of his actions Mr Playfoot received £886.00 Housing Benefit, £229.45 Council Tax Benefit and £1,583.33 Incapacity Benefit which he knew he was not entitled to.
At court, Mr Playfoot was given a conditional discharge (to run for two years) and ordered to pay legal costs of £50 and to pay back the benefit claimed illegally.
Cllr Brian Ramsay, Sevenoaks District Council’s Cabinet member with responsibility for finance, says: "Benefit fraud is a serious crime that impacts on each and every tax payer. It deprives public authorities of resources that otherwise would be used to improve the service they provide to residents. Hence we will not tolerate such an abuse of the benefits system and will vigorously pursue those who we believe are breaking the law.”
If the public has any information relating to benefit fraud, they can call Sevenoaks District Council's confidential benefit fraud hotline 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 01732 227445.
