Taxi driver living in Tewkesbury sentenced for benefit fraud after claiming THOUSANDS in benefits
Updated: Jan 16

A taxi driver from Tewkesbury Borough has been sentenced for fraudulently claiming thousands in council tax reduction, housing benefit, and pension credit.
Larry Gough admitted to the offences, which saw him wrongly receive over £22,000 in benefits.
Mr Gough pleaded guilty at Cheltenham Magistrates’ Court to charges relating to false representations made to Tewkesbury Borough Council and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Investigations revealed he failed to declare his employment as both a taxi driver and delivery driver while claiming benefits over several years.
Between September 2020 and August 2023, Gough fraudulently obtained £2,212 in council tax reduction, £8,285 in housing benefit, and £11,726 in pension credit. These claims were made despite his income from employment, which should have been reported to the authorities.
The case was investigated by the Counter Fraud and Enforcement Unit of Tewkesbury Borough Council, with assistance from the DWP. Reports about Mr Gough’s circumstances triggered the inquiry, which led to the prosecution brought by the Crown Prosecution Service on behalf of the DWP.
At Gloucester Crown Court on 8 January, Mr Gough was sentenced to a 12-month community order, including 80 hours of unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay a £95 surcharge.
Authorities have reiterated the importance of accurately reporting personal circumstances when claiming benefits, warning that failure to do so may result in prosecution and penalties.
Tewkesbury Borough Council’s lead member for Finance and Asset Management, Councillor Stewart Dove, said: “Tewkesbury Borough Council is committed to ensuring that public funds are used appropriately and that those who attempt to defraud the system are held accountable.
“This successful prosecution demonstrates our dedication to protecting the integrity of our welfare system and supporting those who genuinely need assistance.
“We encourage residents to report any suspicions of fraud to help us maintain fairness and justice in our community.”