Benefits cheat cabbie admits fraud

Peter Auty, 39, of Nostell Way, Bridlington, fraudulently claimed £4,854.59 in housing benefit, council tax benefit and Job Seeker’s Allowance by failing to declare he had been working as a self-employed taxi driver.

He admitted benefit fraud when he appeared before magistrates in the town and as well as being told to pay the money back, was given a 12-month community order and charged £75 costs.

Andy Hardy, fraud investigation manager at East Riding Council, said: “Anyone who receives housing benefit or council tax benefit from the council has a duty to tell the authority if their circumstances change.

“If they fail to do so then they run the risk of be prosecuted.”

Housing and council tax benefits are administered by local authorities on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions. The Government pays about £190bn in benefits, tax credits and child benefits administered by the DWP and HM Revenue and Customs.

Estimated losses due to fraud and “error” in the welfare system cost £5.2bn a year.