Two County Durham men have been punished after fraudulently obtaining nearly £10,000 in council tax discounts from Durham County Council.
Scott Wheatley, 44, and Martin Fairlamb, 48, falsely claimed discounts meant for single occupiers. Wheatley received a 25% Single Person’s Discount for more than six years, after previously claiming a full Student Exemption.
A council investigation found independent evidence, including employer, insurance, utility and family records, showing Fairlamb lived with him throughout the period from 2012 to 2021.
In December 2022, Fairlamb also claimed to have moved to a separate property. He supported the claim with a landlord letter and tenancy agreement, which the council said were used to build a false account of where he lived. This allowed him to keep receiving the discount until April 2024.
The fraud cost the council £9,743.29.
Peterlee Magistrates’ Court fined Fairlamb £200 under the Fraud Act 2006, with £325 costs and an £80 victim surcharge. Wheatley received a 12-month community order with 150 hours of unpaid work, plus £325 costs and a £114 victim surcharge.
Paul Gibbon, Durham County Council’s corporate fraud manager, said: ‘This was a thorough investigation that drew together evidence from multiple sources, and we are pleased that the court found the offences proven. The case demonstrates our commitment to protecting public funds and ensuring that council tax discounts are only awarded to those who are genuinely entitled to them.’
