A Chatteris resident has been fined after failing to declare a change in circumstances, resulting in the false claim of over £6,100 in Council Tax benefits.
Philip Patten, 55, of Tern Gardens, appeared at Cambridge Magistrates’ Court on 4 March 2025, where he pleaded guilty to two charges of Council Tax fraud.
Patten admitted to failing to declare that he was living with a partner when applying for Council Tax Support and claiming a 25% Single Person Discount. His fraudulent claims were based on the assertion that he was a lone parent with two dependent children while earning income from part-time employment.
However, the court heard that Patten had married his partner, who was self-employed and residing in his household.
As a result, he wrongly received £3,845.25 in Council Tax Support and £2,332.26 through the Single Person Discount, which he must now repay in full. In addition to reimbursing the funds, he was ordered to pay a fine of £392, prosecution costs of £935, and a victim surcharge of £157.
The case was prosecuted by Anglia Revenues Partnership (ARP) on behalf of Fenland District Council.
Cllr Jan French, Cabinet Member for Revenues and Benefits at Fenland District Council, emphasised the importance of paying Council Tax fairly and the consequences of fraudulent claims:
“Ensuring that residents receive the support they need, while safeguarding public funds from those who attempt to abuse the system, is a priority for Fenland District Council.
“Fraudulent cases like this not only divert essential resources away from residents who rely on them the most, but also put unnecessary pressure on public services, leading to increased costs for everyone else.
“The team at ARP works diligently to pursue incidences of benefits fraud to bring fraudsters to justice and deter others from doing the same. While prosecution is always a last resort, firm action will be taken to ensure support remains available for those who are truly in need and to deter others from similar actions.”
Paying Council Tax is essential for funding vital local services such as education, waste collection, and social care. Failure to contribute fairly undermines the system and places an additional burden on honest taxpayers.
Residents facing genuine financial hardship are encouraged to seek support rather than risk prosecution. A range of assistance options are available for those struggling to pay Council Tax.
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