Benefits cheat ordered to repay cash

Gary Buck, 40, of Charles Drive, Goole, received £6,215.45 in housing benefit, council tax benefit and income support between November 2009 to May 2010.

He had, however, been working since November 2009 and failed to declare it. The fraud was discovered in a joint investigation by East Riding of Yorkshire Council and the Department for Work and Pensions.

Buck, who admitted benefit fraud when he appeared before magistrates in Goole, must repay the money in full plus £100 costs.

He was also given a conditional discharge for 24 months.

Andy Hardy, fraud investigation manager, 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.”

Anyone who suspects benefit fraud is being committed in the East Riding area can call the 24-hour benefit fraud hotline in confidence on 01482 394949, text 07786 200 850, or email [email protected].