THE daughter of a Trafford man who claimed carer benefits for her deceased father for more than a year after he died has been convicted. 

In the first case of its kind in Trafford, 24-year-old Rachel Vickers, of Belmont Street, Stockport, has been convicted of dishonestly obtaining £9,202.56 from Trafford Council.

The money was paid to Vickers as a Personal Budget payment to provide care for her father, who lived in Trafford.  Vickers failed to notify the council that her father died on October 30 2013 and continued to receive payments between November 2013 and January 2015.

On October 2, Trafford Magistrates Court sentenced Vickers to a 12 month community order with a requirement to undertake 100 hours unpaid work.  She must also pay £364 towards prosecution costs.

Vickers will also be made to pay back the fraudulently claimed money to Trafford Council.

Cllr Patrick Myers, executive member for finance, said: “The council regularly undertakes spot checks to make sure there are no discrepancies in claims being made.  This case reinforces the council’s robust approach to investigating suspected frauds and recovering monies owed to it.

“Personal Budgets are helping many families provide the best possible care support for a vulnerable relative.  They help support people so they can remain living independently in their own communities. 

“For Miss Vickers to continue receiving payments which were meant for her father after his death undermines the huge benefits and flexibility Personal Budgets provide people.

“The council has stated on numerous occasions that it will not tolerate fraud and will use the full weight of the law to bring perpetrators to justice.  This case again demonstrates the importance of people notifying us at the earliest opportunity to any changes in the circumstances of the person receiving any benefit, including a Personal Budget.”

Anyone who suspects someone of fraud should contact Trafford Council on 0161 912 2852.