A man who fraudulently claimed to be homeless to secure Council housing - while renting his privately owned property for financial gain – appeared in court to hear the outcome of an investigation under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
The investigation was launched to recover financial losses to South Cambridgeshire District Council after Raymond Brown, 68, of Fulbourn, pleaded guilty to temporary housing application fraud, permanent housing application fraud and Council Tax support fraud.
During a hearing earlier this year, Mr Brown was sentenced to nine months in jail - suspended for two years. He surrendered his council tenancy and was ordered to repay the overpaid benefit.
A Proceeds of Crime investigation was ordered as part of the sentencing and during the latest hearing at Cambridge Crown Court Mr Brown was ordered to pay a total of £29,877.58 comprised of:
· Confiscation Order of £16,821.58 - three-months to pay
· Costs of £12,900.00 - four months to pay
· Victim Surcharge - £156.00
If Mr Brown fails to pay, he may be liable to serve 12 months in prison in default.
Mr Brown’s case came to light following an anonymous tip off to the District Council’s Corporate Investigations Unit. He was offered the opportunity to take part in Council’s Key Amnesty scheme – where tenants can surrender their Council house keys voluntarily and no action will be taken – but failed to do so.
Council finance bosses say it is a reminder to residents to ensure that their circumstances are reported to the authority accurately and fully when applying for Council’s limited resources.
Cllr John Williams, South Cambridgeshire District Council’s Lead Cabinet Member for Resources, said: “This case sends a clear message - fraud against the Council will not be tolerated. Mr Brown deliberately misrepresented his circumstances to obtain housing he was not entitled to, and as a result, he must now repay the public funds he wrongly received. We are committed to supporting residents who genuinely need help, but we expect honesty and transparency. If you're unsure about what to declare in your housing application, speak to us. If you’re applying for housing and need assistance with the application process or not sure what is relevant to declare - talk to us. Misleading the Council can lead to serious legal consequences.”
- To report fraud against South Cambridgeshire District Council, please use the online form and guidance.