A 68-year-old Fulbourn man has been ordered to pay almost £30,000 after admitting he lied about being homeless to obtain a council house while renting out his own property for profit.
Raymond Brown appeared at Cambridge Crown Court following a Proceeds of Crime investigation launched by South Cambridgeshire District Council. He had previously pleaded guilty to temporary and permanent housing application fraud and Council Tax support fraud.
Earlier this year, Brown was sentenced to nine months in jail, suspended for two years, and was required to surrender his council tenancy. As part of the sentencing, he was ordered to repay the overpaid benefits he received.
During the latest hearing, a Proceeds of Crime investigation resulted in Brown being ordered to pay £29,877.58, which includes a confiscation order of £16,821.58, £12,900 in costs, and a £156 victim surcharge. He has been given a deadline of three to four months to pay. Failure to do so could see him serve 12 months in prison.
The case came to light following an anonymous tip-off to the Council’s Corporate Investigations Unit. Brown was also offered the chance to participate in the Council’s Key Amnesty scheme, allowing tenants to voluntarily surrender their keys with no further action, but he did not take part.
Cllr John Williams, Lead Cabinet Member for Resources, said: “This case sends a clear message – fraud against the Council will not be tolerated. We support those genuinely in need, but honesty is essential. Misleading the Council can have serious legal consequences.”
Council officials reminded residents to report their circumstances accurately when applying for housing and benefits. Anyone wishing to report suspected fraud can do so via the Council’s online form and guidance.
