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Birmingham City Council continues to prosecute people who cheat the benefit system. Rosemary Goode and Brett Clarke were sentenced to twelve months imprisonment, suspended for two years, at Birmingham Crown Court on 14th November 2008. Rosemary Goode (64) made false claims for Housing Benefit for a property in Green Lane, Bordesley Green, Birmingham, assisted by her son, Brett Clarke. Goode had claimed Housing Benefit for seven years on the basis that Clarke was her landlord, but she failed to declare that he was in fact her son. Had the true facts been known Goode would not have been entitled to Housing Benefit, as a result she falsely obtained £26,338. She pleaded guilty to three offences and her son Clarke pleaded guilty to four offences under the Social Security Administration Act. In passing the sentence, Judge Carr, said, "...their actions had been thoroughly dishonest - fraudulent from the outset, and it went on for a considerable amount of time. The monies they obtained dishonestly were paid by other people in Council Tax." Jim Wilkinson, Birmingham Council's Assistant Director of Audit and Risk Management, said; "Benefit fraudsters can be cautioned, fined or even sent to prison. In all cases the money has to be paid back and in some cases property is confiscated. The Council has already taken successful legal action against 377 fraudsters so far this tax year and we are determined to root out fraud". If you suspect anyone of committing benefit fraud, please call the City Council Benefit Fraud Hotline: 0121 303 9990. All calls are confidential; callers can remain anonymous if they wish. You can also report a benefit thief online, and find out more information at: www.birmingham.gov.uk/bhamaudit |
