Castle Douglas man fined £350 for benefit fraud

A joint investigation led by Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Benefit Fraud Section in conjunction with the Department of Work and Pensions, has resulted in a Castle Douglas man being fined £350 at Stranraer Sheriff Court.

William Patterson aged 70 of Cotton St, Castle Douglas was found guilty of obtaining benefit which he was not entitled to, by failing to disclose that he was receiving an Occupational Pension.

Overpayments of Council Tax Benefit and Pension Credit totalling in excess of £10,000 had occurred over a 6 year period to January 2010. These overpayments are recoverable in full.

The latest government estimate (2009/10) is that £1.1 billion is lost from public funds every year through all benefit fraud. For more information on how the council tackles benefit fraud, check the website www.dumgal.gov.uk

If you know of anyone committing benefit fraud you can contact the Council’s Benefit Fraud Team in confidence:

Tel: 0800 085 7449

email: benefit.fraud@dumgal.gov.uk