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Fraud squad recovers £350,000
THE council’s fraud squad has recovered almost £350,000 in illegal benefit claims over the past year.
This follows six successful prosecutions and 22 fines. Among those caught was a 54-year-old who claimed £40,000 in housing benefits over 11 years while sitting on £250,000 of savings.
Investigators also uncovered a lucrative scam where claimants in the Edgware Road area were illegally sub-letting their flats to unwitting Kuwaitis visiting London for medical treatment. Two arrests were made in June, after intelligence-led raids by the police.
Checks revealed 81 “blue badge” disability permits still in use had been issued to people who were now dead.
A Westminster City Council audit and performance committee report reveals that the council has begun placing restraint orders on properties and other assets, requiring payment prior to sale.
Chairman Councillor Tim Mitchell said: “Benefit cheats take money intended for the most vulnerable in our society and it is inexcusable to try to cheat the system. We will keep working to make sure our fraud team continues to be as effective in the future as it has been in the past.” |
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