Benefit Cheat Caught

A South Bucks benefit cheat has been successfully prosecuted by South Bucks District Council after he illegally claimed over £1800 in benefits.

Twenty-seven year old Mizaire Yaquoub from Lent Green Lane, Burnham appeared before High Wycombe Magistrates’ Court on Monday 29th March 2010 where he pleaded guilty to two cases of benefit fraud. At court he was given a 12 month Community Service Order during which Mr Yaquoub will be required to carry out 80 hours unpaid work, he will also have to pay £300 towards the Council’s costs.

Latest data matching techniques identified that Mr Yaquoub held two taxi licences, and the investigation subsequently uncovered he had failed to inform the Council he was now working as a taxi driver and that his earnings had increased. As a result he received a total of over £1842 in benefit to which he was not entitled. This amount will also have to be repaid to the Council.

This was not the first time that Mr Yaquoub had failed to declare a change in his circumstances to the Council, as in 2008 he was sanctioned by the Council for failing to declare he had started work.

Councillor Julian Wilson, Portfolio Holder for Resources said ‘benefit cheats are effectively stealing tax payers' money which otherwise could be spent on important local services. We will not tolerate fraudulent claims and when our Investigations Team uncovers fraudulent behaviour, we take the appropriate action by using all techniques available to detect and prosecute fraudsters.’

If fraud is suspected we strongly urge residents to come forward by emailing fraud@southbucks.gov.uk or calling the dedicated fraud hotline on 01494 732210 run in partnership with Chiltern District Council.
Suspicions can also be reported by using the on-line form on the website .

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