Basildon Benefit Cheat Told To Pay Back £30,000

24 October 2014, 12:10 | Updated: 24 October 2014, 12:11

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A man from Basildon who fraudulently claimed £30,000 in benefits has avoided prison but has been told to pay the money back.

66 year-old Peter Way, from Sherwood Close in Langdon Hills, admitted 10 offences at Basildon Crown Court on Tuesday.

He falsely claimed £25,024 in housing benefits over a period of almost four years, and £3,454 over a period of more than three years.

The pensioner has also been given a 12 month suspended sentence and a curfew between 8pm and 7am for six months.

Rob Manser, Basildon Council's billing and benefits manager, said: "People who dishonestly abuse the benefits system in this way are sending a slap in the face to those honest residents who dutifully tell the truth when they make a benefit claim and regularly report any changes in their circumstances, to the Council, knowing that it is going to result in a lower award of benefit."

"The pressures on public finances are intense and these sorts of losses have a very real impact on the lives of local people. At a time when tough choices have to be made about how to support local residents, this one case has resulted in the loss of thousands and thousands of pounds.

"Basildon Council's Investigation section is working tirelessly to gather the evidence to bring offenders before the courts. Unfortunately, this will not be the last case of its kind."