A man who claimed benefits from South Ayrshire Council, and failed to notify Officers that he had started full time employment, has been sentenced to 120 hours Community Service following a court case.

Leader of South Ayrshire Council, Councillor Andrew Hill said: “A range of benefits are available for people who genuinely require assistance to claim via the Council. Officers of the Council work closely with clients to endeavour to make sure that people receive all of the benefits that they are entitled to.

“However, if a claimant’s circumstances change, then it is up to them to notify the Council immediately, so that their entitlement to benefits can be reassessed. A change in circumstances could mean that benefits are reduced, but it could also mean that other types of benefits are available.

“People who fraudulently claim benefits are receiving funding which they are not entitled to, which could be used to assist others who are in greater need.”

Officers within the Council’s Financial Services Section examine any claimants case where there appears to be an irregularity, or another agency notifies them of suspected irregularities.

If it is found that someone is fraudulently claiming benefits then the matter is reported to the Procurator Fiscal.

The Procurator Fiscal then decides if the case should be taken to a court of law, and if the person charged is found guilty the court has the authority to sentence them. Sentences can vary greatly depending on the particular circumstances of each case, but the court has the authority to sentence people to Community Service, order them to pay a fine or impose a custodial sentence.

February 2005