Resident convicted for council tax fraud

Warrington Borough Council reaffirms position on Peel Hall development

The resident was prosecuted after wrongly claiming that he was living on his own to gain council tax benefits.

Thomas Loco, 56, of Falcondale Road, Warrington, was convicted of council tax fraud.

In October 2014, Mr Loco made false representation to the council that his wife was no longer living at the residence address and he was living alone. He failed to disclose that his wife remained at the residence up to April 2019, resulting in Mr Loco receiving council tax support up to £3,312.58 and a single person discount totalling £690.08.

Mr Loco appeared before magistrates at North Cheshire Magistrates’ Court on 29 January 2021, initially to face trial after pleading not guilty at an earlier hearing, but changed his plea.

He pleaded guilty to two offences in respect of claiming council tax support and single person discount where he dishonestly failed to inform the council that his wife was living with him.

Mr Loco was sentenced to a 16 week community order with a curfew between 7pm and 7am, and was ordered to pay a contribution towards costs of £1,800 and a victim surcharge of £85 as a deduction from his benefits.

Cllr Cathy Mitchell, Deputy Leader and cabinet member for corporate resources, said: “Council tax fraud is not a victimless crime – residents who dishonestly fail to inform us of how many people live at their residence not only make an illegal financial gain, but they can cause loss to another resident who genuinely needs council tax support.

“We strongly encourage all residents to inform us of any relevant changes to their living situation to ensure that council tax support can be given appropriately. If you suspect someone is committing council tax or benefit fraud, we encourage you to report your concerns to us.”

For more information about benefit and council tax fraud, including how to contact the council if you suspect someone has committed fraud, visit warrington.gov.uk/fraud

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