Couple drew £48k benefits while failing to declare a second home

A COUPLE applying for benefits did not disclose that they owned a second property which they were renting out, a court has heard.

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As a result of the fraud the couple pocketed £48,500 in universal credit over a four-year period

Swansea Crown Court heard the application for benefit payments by Brian and Frances Rowe was "fraudulent from the outset".

A judge told the pair that "stealing from the state is not an insignificant matter" and their offending crossed the threshold for a custodial sentence.

Ryan Bowen, prosecuting, told the court that in February 2019 the Rowes made a claim for the universal credit benefit declaring they had savings, investments of capital of less than £6,000.

The claim was approved, and the first payment was made the following month.