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Months of painstaking work by Babergh District Council’s anti-fraud team has resulted in a fraudster who cheated taxpayers out of £21,000 receiving a 6 month prison sentence – the first such outcome it has secured.
Gary Palmer of Brooksfield, Bildeston was given the punishment by Ipswich Crown Court on 3rd March. His wife, Elaine Palmer, received a 150 hour Community Punishment Order for her part in the fraud.
Summing up, Judge Peter Thompson indicated that whilst the Palmers’ financial circumstances (store card and other debts) had led them to this situation in committing fraud, Mr Palmer had cheated the public purse over a long time to the value of over £21,000 through fraudulently claiming Housing and Council Tax benefit. He was the instigator and he knew what he was doing. A custodial sentence was unavoidable but he was taking into account Mr Palmer's disability in making his decision.
Mr and Mrs Palmer had failed to declare earnings from Mrs Palmer’s employment over a number of years and the bank account into which the money was being paid.
Babergh has an impressive record of rooting out fraud. So far this year, officers have identified and are recovering £137,500 which has been fraudently claimed. Prison sentences, Community Punishment Orders, fines and formal cautions are amongst the penalties that have been handed out to 52 people in the process.
Bob Southgate, Babergh’s Head of Revenues, said “once again this proves that crime does not pay. Housing and Council Tax Benefit is to help people maintain a decent standard of living not to subsidise debts that have accumulated”
“Hopefully the message is clear. If your circumstances have changed or you have not told something tell us now, before we come and find you. People who come to us voluntarily are safe from prosecution. Honesty albeit after the event deserves respect. It is only those who intend to gain that need to worry. It’s only a question of time before we find them”.
You can report suspected fraud, anonymously if necessary, any time of the day or night through our website or via our Fraud Hotline 01473 825797. ENDS
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