Retired accountant who committed council tax fraud placed under curfew after failing to declare second home in Devon

A RETIRED accountant from Warrington who claimed council tax benefits while failing to declare a second home in Devon, a private pension and the fact his wife had started working, has been fined and placed under curfew.

David Hamilton-Dick, aged 69, of Lyons Lane, Appleton, pleaded guilty to six offences of fraudulently claiming council tax support fraud when he appeared before magistrates on Thursday 7 July 2022.

The court heard that in March 2016, he made an application for council tax support and dishonestly failed to disclose that he and his wife owned a second property in Devon.
He also further failed to declare that both he and his wife began to receive private pensions, and that in 2018 his wife took up employment. This resulted in him receiving council tax support amounting to £8,956.82 which he was not entitled to.

Magistrates stated that his actions were deceitful and fraudulent and that it was a good job he is no longer working as an accountant as he would be struck off, and that he should have realised he could not beat or cheat the system.

They also stated that he was only not receiving a custodial sentence because he had made efforts to pay the money back and had returned a good amount. A curfew was imposed and Hamilton-Dick was ordered to pay £1,200 in costs, repayable within 12 months, and a £60 victim surcharge.
The curfew is a restriction on Hamilton-Dick’s liberty for 12 months which was reduced from 18 months due to his early plea. The curfew means he must be at home between 7pm and 7am. He requested a break to be able to attend his daughter’s graduation, but this was refused and he was warned that if the curfew is broken he will go to prison.

Cllr Cathy Mitchell, deputy council leader and cabinet member for corporate resources, said: “Council tax fraud is a serious matter as it means another resident or family who are really in need of support might miss out.
“If you have recently had a change to your living situation, you must inform us so we can ensure that the level of council tax support you receive is appropriate to your circumstances. If you suspect someone is committing council tax or benefit fraud, please report your concerns to us so that we can investigate and take action where necessary.”
For more information about benefit and council tax fraud, including how to contact the council if you suspect someone has committed fraud, visit warrington.gov.uk/fraud.