Benefits cheat convicted after failing to declare inheritance

A FRAUDSTER cheated the benefits system out of nearly £25,000 after failing to declare an inheritance.

Ian Reynolds, 47, of Biart Place, Rugby, pleaded guilty to three counts of claiming Housing Benefit, Job Seekers Allowance and Council Tax Benefit from May 2005 to October 2010.

During that time Reynolds inherited £25,000 and put the money in a bank account which he did not declare to either the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) or Rugby Borough Council.

As a result officers from DWP and the council found Reynolds was overpaid Housing Benefit by £9,049.23, Council Tax Benefit by £3,024.25 and Job Seekers Allowance by £12,624.39.

Magistrates gave him a 12 months supervision order and ordered him to do 200 hours of unpaid work and pay £200 in court costs.

Reynolds said he was claiming benefit because he was unemployed and when interviewed by officers he confirmed he was aware he would need to report changes in his circumstances.

He also said he had no savings and was aware that if he did it would affect his benefit entitlement.

But when asked if he had another bank account he said 'sort of technically' and explained he was left £25,000 by his parents five years ago but did not want the money and wanted to leave it to his niece.

Reynolds was invited to further interviews with officers from the DWP and the council but he did not show up.

Adam Norburn, head of resources at Rugby Borough Council, said: "This is a great example of the proactive work we do here, liaising with other government departments.

"The council is determined to find and prevent abuse of the benefits system and will take appropriate action to protect public money.

"However, help is always available for people who are genuinely entitled to receive benefits. I would urge anyone that feels they may be entitled to contact the council for help and advice."