Benefit cheat forced to pay back £65,000

AN Oldham man who was jailed for benefit fraud and a driving licence scam, was yesterday ordered to repay almost £65,000 from his crime proceeds.

Shazad Akhtar (36), of Bolton Street, Glodwick, impersonated driving test candidates and obtained licenses for unqualified and untested drivers, which were sold for thousands of pounds.

He admitted 22 counts of obtaining and attempting to obtain driving licenses by deception.

It was also discovered that Akhtar had illegally claimed housing benefit, job-seeker’s allowance and council tax benefit. He was jailed for 18 months at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court in October 2008 after he admitted eight counts of benefit fraud. At Minshull Street Crown Court, Akhtar was ordered to pay back £64,339, including £37,999 to Oldham Council. It must be repaid within 12 months or he will be jailed for two years.

Det-Sgt Darren Grafton, who led the investigation into Akhtar’s fraud, said: “Akhtar is a convicted fraudster whose primary motivation is greed — he will do all he can to line his own pockets.

“His arrogance made him think he could swindle the benefits system and get away with it. His prison sentence and confiscation order prove he was very much wrong.”


Blitz nets 2,000 false tax claimants

JANICE BARKER

Almost 2,000 people owned up to claiming single-person council-tax benefit when they were no longer alone following a recent council blitz.

The initiative reviewed people who get the discount — a 25 per cent reduction only for those who live alone.

And after getting the letter, 1,870 people told the council they were no longer eligible.

The council works with Unity Partnership — the joint venture organisation which carries out office tasks — to make sure people get the correct benefits.

As well as improving take up, the partnership targets benefit fraud. Over four months last year, 16,132 review forms were sent out to people getting a single person discount.

Councillor Lynne Thompson, cabinet member for finance and resources, said: “This was a very simple but effective exercise.

“After receiving the letter, 1,870 people got in touch to tell us that they were no longer eligible and had this discount removed from their council tax bill.

“This will retrieve thousands of pounds for local taxpayers.

“Single person discount fraud is one of the biggest areas of theft from the public purse and any evidence of such dishonest behaviour will be followed up by the council.

“It is not a victimless offence because it means that there is less money to provide vital services.”

The letters will now go out periodically to remind people that they must be eligible to claim.

For details about how to apply for the benefit contact 0161-770 6633 or e-mail benefits@oldham.gov.uk .