Thursday 19 March, 2009

A former Guildford resident must repay over £1,800 of housing benefit after a hearing at Guildford Magistrates Court on Tuesday (17 March).

Daniel Coffey failed to tell Guildford Borough Council that he had moved from his address at Millmead Terrace and continued to claim housing benefit. He pleaded guilty to defrauding the Council and was ordered to repay the outstanding overpayment of £1,870. He was also fined £75 and ordered to pay £100 in costs.

Tony Rooth, Lead Councillor for Finance and Resources, says: "Guildford Borough Council is committed to preventing and tackling benefit fraud. The benefit system is there to help those residents most in need and we will actively prosecute anyone found to be making a fraudulent claim."

For more information on housing and council tax benefit in Guildford Borough, call 01483 444884 or email benefits@guildford.gov.uk

PR and Marketing
Millmead House
Millmead
Guildford
Surrey
GU2 4BB

Tel: 01483 444328
Email: pr@guildford.gov.uk