Blackpool DWP worker taken to court after making fraudulent claims for Universal Credit

By Matthew Calderbank
Published 1st Aug 2023, 14:50 BST
Updated 1st Aug 2023, 14:50 BST
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A benefit cheat who works for the Department of Work and Pensions swindled his own employer out of nearly £2,000.

Blackpool Magistrates heard how 45-year-old Graham Clarke knowingly submitted false claims for Universal Credit in a bid to defraud the same government agency which pays his wages.

Today (Tuesday, August 1), the court heard his claims had led to him being paid three advance payments totalling £1,746.

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Clarke, of Milbourne Street, Blackpool admitted deceiving the DWP by dishonestly making statements to get the money via online claims.

Blackpool Magistrates heard how Graham Clarke, 45, of Milbourne Street, Blackpool submitted claims for Universal Credit knowing they were false. He received three advance payments totalling £1,746Blackpool Magistrates heard how Graham Clarke, 45, of Milbourne Street, Blackpool submitted claims for Universal Credit knowing they were false. He received three advance payments totalling £1,746
Blackpool Magistrates heard how Graham Clarke, 45, of Milbourne Street, Blackpool submitted claims for Universal Credit knowing they were false. He received three advance payments totalling £1,746

Magistrates heard Clarke had given incorrect information about his earnings at the DWP in order to qualify for the means-tested benefit.

“He stands before you entombed in shame and embarrassment,” said his lawyer Brett Chappell.

“He had a hitherto unblemished character having worked for the very department involved."

Clarke's case was adjourned until September 7 to allow pre-sentence probation reports to be prepared on him.