Derbyshire benefit cheat fined and told to repay the money

A South Normanton man who swindled taxpayers out of £2,200 has been fined and ordered to repay the money.

Mark Allen, 46, of Filigree Close, pleaded guilty to failing to declare a change in his circumstances while in receipt of housing benefit.

North East Derbyshire and Dales Magistrates’ Court heard Allen claimed more than £2,200 in benefits he was not entitled to over a 19-month period.

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The offence came to light after Bolsover District Council received information from a Department for Work and Pensions’ data-matching exercise, which matches against Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs’ tax records. 

Allen received more than £2,200 in housing Bbnefit between July 8 and February 2, 2015, after failing to declare he had changed employment. 

Allen was sentenced under Section 112 of The Social Security Administration Act 1992. 

He was ordered to pay a £117 fine, costs of £100 and a £20 victim surcharge, in addition to paying back the benefits he had wrongly claimed.

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If you know of anyone who you suspect is committing benefit fraud, contact Bolsover District Council on 01246 242444.

Alternatively, email [email protected].

People can also report a possible fraud to the Department of Work and Pensions hotline number 0845 6088521.