Clampdown on benefit fraudsters

A clampdown on benefit cheats has led to 36 fraudsters being prosecuted in an area of Merseyside.

Knowsley Council said the Corporate Counter Fraud Unit has also seen nine false claimants fined and 22 have received formal cautions.

It said the scheme has also resulted in savings of more than £440,000 to council tax payers.

Benefit cheat Terence Pendleton, of Knowsley Village, was sentenced for claiming more than £50,000 last month.

Public purse

He claimed he was crippled, depressed, unable to work and living alone in a dingy bedsit in West Derby, Liverpool. In fact he was living in a £500,000 house.

The Corporate Counter Fraud Unit works with the Department for Work and Pensions.

Councillor Norman Keats, Knowsley's cabinet member for finance, said: "Benefit fraud is not a 'victimless' crime.

"Those who commit it are taking money from the public purse that could be used for public services or to help those genuinely in need."

Prosecutions brought about by the unit include a woman from Whiston who was falsely claiming over £10,000 in council tax and housing benefits.

A 55-year old Knowsley woman was also caught claiming £18,000 in benefits despite having a job.