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Two benefit cheats caught in crackdown

31/ 1/2008

OLDHAM Council has pledged to continue its hardline stance against benefit cheats.

In the most recent prosecutions by the council, two residents who between them illegally claimed more than £9,500 in benefits appeared before Oldham Magistrates’ Court.

Robina Afzal, of Eric Street, Oldham, claimed housing benefits totalling £2,089 but failed to notify the council she had started a job, which disqualified her from receiving benefit.

She received a 12-month conditional discharge and was ordered to pay costs of £320. The magistrates took into account that she had already started to clear the outstanding overpayment.

In a separate case, Malcolm Wood, of Huddersfield Road, Oldham, admitted claiming benefits totalling £7,420 to which he was not entitled.

He was sentenced to a two-month curfew between 7pm and 7am.

The council will also try to recover the money owed.

Mark Stenson, of Oldham Council, said: "The courts do not take benefit fraud lightly and neither does the council.

"It is important that the council ensures that money goes where it is needed – to genuine claimants.

"I urge anyone who suspects fraud to contact us without delay. All calls will be treated in strict confidence.

"Our investigators have a good track record in bringing fraudsters to justice and their efforts will continue."

If you suspect benefit fraud is taking place, call the confidential hotline on 0161 770 4969 or e-mail investigations@oldham.gov.uk.