Claimant's undeclared £75,000

A man who claimed benefits despite having more than £75,000 in the bank has been ordered to do 120 hours' unpaid work in the community.

Barry Powell, of Crossways House, Blaby, failed to tell Blaby District Council and the Department for Work and Pensions his partner had received a £75,000 divorce settlement in October 2007.

People with savings of more than £16,000 are not entitled to benefits.

The 56-year-old received £24,247.05 in benefits to which he was not entitled between October 2008 and March 2011.

Cheap Motor Insurance Nationwide With Free Legal Expenses Valued...

Insure365

View details

Print voucher

Cheap Motor Insurance Nationwide With Free Legal Expenses Valued at £25.00! Call 01782 898188

Terms: 1 Voucher Per Customer

Contact: 01782 898188

Valid until: Saturday, July 20 2013

He admitted four counts of failing to promptly report his partner's settlement at Leicester Magistrates' Court, on Monday, October 1.

He was given a 12-month community order and ordered to pay £85 costs.

The overpaid benefits have now been recovered in full.

Councillor John Hudson, finance and efficiency portfolio holder at Blaby District Council, said: "We will continue to work with other agencies to root out fraudsters who cost hardworking tax-payers millions of pounds each year."