Couple Charged with Universal Credit Fraud
A Millom couple have denied a fraud charge linked to their Universal Credit claims and are now due to appear at Preston Crown Court.
Jeffrey Beal, 43, and Michelle Hanna Beal, 41, both of Cambridge Street, Millom, appeared at South Cumbria Magistrates’ Court in Barrow.
They both pleaded not guilty to one count of dishonestly failing to disclose information to make a gain for themselves or another, or to cause or expose another to a loss.
Court records state the alleged offence took place in Millom between March 7th, 2022, and March 7th, 2023.
The charge alleges the couple failed to notify the Department for Work and Pensions that they held capital above the permitted limit, despite being under a legal duty to do so. Prosecutors allege this was done with the intention of making a gain for themselves through Universal Credit.
The case will next be heard at Preston Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing at 10am on May 26.
Couple Plead Not Guilty
Jeffrey Beal and Michelle Hanna Beal have both denied the charge.
A not guilty plea means the allegation has not been accepted by the defendants and the case will continue through the court process.
At this stage, the charge remains an allegation. No finding of guilt has been made.
The next hearing at Preston Crown Court will help set out how the case will proceed, including any future trial arrangements.
What the Charge Relates To
The case centres on an allegation that the couple failed to disclose information about their capital while claiming Universal Credit.
Capital can include money, savings and investments. For Universal Credit, savings and investments above certain levels can affect how much a claimant receives. Government guidance states that Universal Credit payments are reduced when a person has capital between £6,000 and £16,000, while people with more than £16,000 usually cannot receive Universal Credit.
The allegation is not simply that the couple had capital, but that they dishonestly failed to tell the DWP about it when they were legally required to do so.
Alleged Offence Took Place in Millom
Court records say the alleged offence happened in Millom over a one-year period, from March 7, 2022, to March 7, 2023.
The charge states that the couple were under a legal duty to inform the DWP that they held capital above the permitted limit.
The prosecution alleges that failing to disclose this information was intended to allow them to make a gain through Universal Credit.
What Happens Next
The case has now moved from South Cumbria Magistrates’ Court to Preston Crown Court.
Jeffrey Beal and Michelle Hanna Beal are due to appear there at 10am on May 26 for a plea and trial preparation hearing.
This type of hearing is used to confirm pleas, deal with legal and practical issues, and prepare the case for trial if the not guilty pleas remain in place.
Why Universal Credit Declarations Matter
Universal Credit is a means-tested benefit, which means a person’s income, savings and circumstances can affect what they are entitled to receive.
Claimants are expected to provide accurate information and update the DWP if their financial position changes.
Fraud by failing to disclose information is covered under the Fraud Act 2006. The offence can apply where someone dishonestly fails to disclose information they are legally required to provide, intending to make a gain or cause loss, or risk of loss, to another.
The court will now decide whether the allegations against the Millom couple are proven.
