Taxi Driver Sentenced for Failing to Declare Employment in Fraud Case
A taxi and delivery driver has been sentenced for fraudulently claiming benefits without disclosing his employment status
Tewkesbury, UK, Fraud, Council Tax, Housing Benefit, Pension Credit
Tewkesbury: So, there’s this guy named Larry Gough who got into some serious trouble for not being honest about his job. He was working as both a taxi driver and a delivery driver but didn’t tell the council or the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) about it. Because of that, he ended up claiming over £22,000 in benefits he wasn’t entitled to.
He was caught and had to face the music at Cheltenham Magistrates’ Court. Larry pleaded guilty to making false claims to get council tax reductions and benefits. The court found out he had been getting a council tax break he shouldn’t have, totaling around £2,200, and he also claimed more than £19,000 in housing benefit and pension credit.
On January 8, 2025, he was sentenced to a community order, which means he has to do 80 hours of unpaid work. Plus, he has to pay a £95 surcharge. The whole thing was investigated by the Counter Fraud and Enforcement Unit, who teamed up with the DWP after getting tips about Larry’s situation.
A council member, Councillor Stewart Dove, said they’re serious about making sure public funds are used properly. He emphasized that they want to keep the welfare system fair for everyone who really needs help. If anyone suspects fraud, they’re encouraged to report it.