Apology sent to 'benefit cheats'

A council has apologised to nearly 90 people it had accused of benefit fraud.

Thurrock Council said allegations and sanctions have been withdrawn and removed from records of 88 people it investigated from 2004 to 2006.

An inquiry, verified by independent auditors, revealed evidence supporting some housing and council tax benefit fraud cases was insufficiently strong.

The council said the £74,000 cost of overpayments and compensation would not be an extra burden on taxpayers.

The mistake was discovered when the council received a complaint about sanctions taken against one of the 88 affected people.

An investigation found the complainant was correct, and the inquiry was expanded.

'Sincere apologies'

A council spokesman said the bulk of the £74,000 cost would be to repay cash incentives from the Department of Work and Pensions for uncovering cases of benefit fraud.

The spokesman also said it was unlikely that any of the 88 people wrongly accused had benefits stopped, but that they would be entitled to claim back payments if monies were wrongly withdrawn.

The council has contacted the Citizens' Advice Bureau and has set up a helpline to offer advice to those affected.

Council chief executive Angie Ridgwell said: "On joining the council, as soon as I was made aware of this situation by our interim benefit fraud manager, I instructed that a full and thorough investigation take place.

"I have personally written to everyone affected by this, offering my sincere apologies and arranged for repayments to be made where appropriate.

"We regret these mistakes were made and in identifying the problem have made a full and frank disclosure - we are seeking to do all we can to support those individuals affected."