A COUNCIL is set to recoup more than £15,000 after two men pleaded guilty to making false benefit claims.

George Millard, 61, formerly of Love Lane, Rochford, and Alan Paul Ashley, 67, formerly of Ashingdon Road, Rochford, both appeared at Southend Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, April 22, pleading guilty to a total of £15,471.54 between them.

Millard was ordered to repay the £7,395.20 of housing and council tax benefit, as well as council tax support, after failing to inform Rochford District Council of changes to his circumstances between December 3, 2012, and April 21, 2014.

Ashley has to repay the £8,076.34 on overpaid housing benefit he received between September 24, 2012, and February 9, 2015, after failing to inform the council to changes in his circumstances.

They were both ordered to £350 in costs with Millard receiving an additional £50 fine for each offence and having to pay a victim surcharge of £20.

Ashley was given 12 months to complete 100 hours of unpaid work and ordered to pay a £60 victim surcharge.

Dawn Tribe, the council’s assistant director for customer, revenues and benefits services, said: “We are delighted that these individuals have been told to repay the money they got under false pretences.

“The council works incredibly hard for its residents and it’s only right that the money taken from them should be put back into the pot for those whose claims are genuine.

“We have no hesitation in pursuing those who make fraudulent claims and will continue to do so.”