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Wellingborough benefit fraudster caught
Published Thursday 8th September 11
A Wellingborough man has been given a three-year conditional discharge after fraudulently claiming more than £17,000 in benefits. This means that if he goes before a court for any offence during that time, he can be sent to jail for the benefit fraud as well.
Alan Cowper, 62, of Dale House, Hill Street, Wellingborough, failed to declare that he had capital and savings of over £55,000 whilst claiming income support, housing benefit and council tax benefit. Wellingborough Council launched a joint investigation with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) after information was received that he had the capital in undisclosed bank accounts. Mr Cowper was interviewed under caution by officers at Wellingborough Council and was later charged to appear at Wellingborough Magistrates Court.
Mr Cowper pleaded guilty to two offences - one of failing to declare capital and savings to obtain income support, and one of failing to declare capital and savings to obtain housing and council tax benefit. On Thursday 1 September he was given a three-year conditional discharge and ordered to pay £100 costs.
Councillor Paul Bell, leader of Wellingborough Council, said: "We won't tolerate benefit fraud as it's an unfair and unnecessary burden on the taxpayer. We have an excellent track record in uncovering it. Three years is a long time for a conditional discharge, and this reflects the seriousness of the offence."
Mr Cowper had claimed £1,588.29 income support, £11,979.56 housing benefit and £3,764.29 council tax benefit, making the total overpaid £17,332.14. Wellingborough Council will be recovering the full amount of the overpayment.