16 March 2010An Edenbridge benefit cheat has been successfully prosecuted by Sevenoaks District Council and the Department for Work & Pensions after he illegally claimed £4,000 in benefits.
Forty-seven year old Gregory Brookfield of Doggetts Close, Edenbridge appeared before Sevenoaks Magistrates' Court on 20 January where he pleaded guilty to three charges of benefit fraud.
A routine investigation, jointly carried out by Sevenoaks District Council and the Department for Work & Pensions, found that Mr Brookfield failed to inform both organisations that he was working whilst he was claiming benefits.
As a result of his actions, Mr Brookfield illegally obtained £4,000 in Incapacity Benefit, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit.
At court, Mr Brookfield was given a supervision order, to run for a period of 12 months, and a six month drug rehabilitation order. He was asked to pay £100 towards costs.
Cllr Brian Ramsay, Sevenoaks District Council's Cabinet member with responsibility for finance, says: "Benefit cheats are effectively stealing tax payers' money which otherwise could be spent on important local services. We will do all we can to stop those who cheat the system and our routine checks demonstrate that we are closing in on benefit fraudsters."
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.
