Council Secures Conviction - Leigh-on-Sea

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Leigh On Sea News: Council Secures Conviction – SOUTHEND City Council has been instrumental in bringing a fraudster to justice following an investigation by its counter fraud and investigation team.

Council Secures Conviction - SOUTHEND City Council has been instrumental in bringing a fraudster to justice following an investigation by its counter fraud and investigation team.

SOUTHEND City Council has been instrumental in bringing a fraudster to justice following an investigation by its counter fraud and investigation team.

On 5 November, Philip Staples, 43, of Penny Avenue, Milton Keynes, was convicted at Basildon Crown Court of eight counts of fraud by false representation and 12 counts of money laundering, after a guilty plea.

The investigation began when the council’s data matching exercise flagged discrepancies showing Staples had claimed covid small business grants from both Southend and Luton councils.

Staples, who ran a vape shop in Westcliff from March 2019, had claimed small business rates relief (SBRR) from Southend City Council. However, investigators discovered he also owned a vape shop in Luton, which he failed to disclose, rendering him ineligible for SBRR, as it is typically based on the operation of a single business premise.

After losing his lease in December 2019 due to rent arrears, Staples vacated the Westcliff shop.

However, between May 2020 and April 2021, he submitted seven applications for covid support grants, falsely claiming occupancy of the Westcliff premises. These grants were awarded as the council’s business rates team was not informed of the vacancy by either Staples or the landlord.

Staples also applied for additional support grants from Luton Council. A financial investigation later revealed that he spent the grant money on personal items.

Staples fraudulently gained a total of £24,639.72, which included £1,779.72 in wrongly obtained SBRR and £22,860 in covid grant funds. He received a 20-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, with conditions including 35 rehabilitation activity days and a three-month curfew from 7pm to 7am at his home. The court will later determine compensation and costs to the council.

Coun Daniel Cowan, leader of the council, said: “This case demonstrates that the council will not tolerate fraud against the public purse and will actively pursue those who commit these crimes.

“I commend our counter fraud and investigation team for their diligence and determination in uncovering this fraud and ensuring accountability.

“Fraud against the council has a direct impact on our ability to fund vital public services. Thanks to the team’s efforts, we’re recovering these losses so that public funds can be used for the benefit of Southend residents.”

“All reports of fraud or economic crime against Southend City Council are treated extremely seriously. Incidents can be reported in confidence to the Counter Fraud and Investigation Team on 01702 215254 or email: [email protected].

“All information received is treated in the strictest confidence. You do not have to give us your name when you tell us about fraud.”

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