A man who claimed he was living as a single person in his Westcliff home has pleaded guilty to false representation.
Guy Francké of Retreat Road, Westcliff, moved into his home in May 2016, and qualified for a 25% discount on council tax, as a single person.
Despite annual reminders to review and update his circumstances, Mr Francké continued to take advantage of the single person discount until 2023, when an exercise carried out by Southend-on-Sea City Council to check on single occupancy homes, found that someone had moved in with Mr Francké’ in November 2016.
Mr Francké attended an interview in January 2023 under caution with counter-fraud officers and shortly after his interview handed over two letters dated December 2016 and March 2019, which he claimed had been sent to the council informing of his new circumstances.
Closer inspection found the letters were created in January 2023.
Before appearing at Southend Magistrates' Court on 4 October 2023, Mr Francké paid back the £2,064 in full.
After pleading guilty, the judge fined him £369, costs of £422.70 and a victim surcharge of £148, and he was ordered to pay in full within 28 days.
Cllr John Lamb, cabinet member for regulatory services, said: “It is really important that if your personal circumstances change, that you inform the council as soon as possible. Genuine forgetfulness is one thing, but this defendant went to extreme lengths to try and pull the wool over investigating officers' eyes, and the truth will always out.”
All reports of fraud or economic crime against Southend-on-Sea City Council are treated extremely seriously. Incidents can be reported in confidence to the Counter Fraud and Investigation Team on 01702 215254 or via email.
You do not have to give us your name when you tell us about fraud.