A man who falsely claimed to be homeless to secure a council house has been ordered to repay almost £30,000 following an investigation under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
Raymond Brown, 68, of Fulbourn, admitted to temporary housing application fraud, permanent housing application fraud, and council tax support fraud after it was discovered he had been renting out his privately owned property for profit while living in council accommodation.
Brown was handed a nine-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, and surrendered his council tenancy. At Cambridge Crown Court, he was ordered to pay £29,877.58 — including a £16,821.58 confiscation order, £12,900 in costs, and a £156 victim surcharge. Failure to pay could result in a 12-month jail term.
Cllr John Williams, South Cambridgeshire District Council’s lead cabinet member for Resources, said: ‘This case sends a clear message – fraud against the council will not be tolerated.’
