Pensioner fined for false benefit claim (From Warrington Guardian)

Pensioner fined for false benefit claim

A PENSIONER has been fined £700 for claiming benefits he wasn't entitled to.

Hugh Clark of Budworth Close in Halton Lodge, Runcorn, was overpaid by more than £7,000 in council benefits.

The 68-year-old had signed forms to say he didn't receive any private pension money.

But he had been receiving an army pension since 1980 and a medical pension since 1993, giving him almost £800 a month.

If he had declared these pensions he wouldn't have been entitled to housing or council tax benefit.

Mr Clark was convicted at Halton Magistrates Court in November of breaking social security rules.

He did not turn up for court and did not enter a plea. He has agreed to repay £50 a month.