Edition 76
www.thecourier.es
Friday, August 3, 2012
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CHEATWAVE HONEST expats in Spain were this week urged by the British Embassy to shop the cheats who claim government benefits they are not entitled to.
Big-shot Pete leads new gold onlaught GOLDEN gunman Peter Wilson fired Great Britain to new Olympic glory yesterday (Thursday) - and that was just the beginning. The 25-year-old Dorset farmer won the Double Trap final in Woolwich by just two clays. And it got even better when Tim Bailey and Etienne Stott put their oar in to take the twoman canoe slalom gold pipping fellow Brits David Florence and Richard Hounslow by just .36 of a second. As we went to press, Team GB had rocketed into FIFTH place in terms of gold medals and sixth overall. Only China, USA, South Korea and France have more golds. Meanwhile,
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Shop a benefits fraudster and help Britain to beat the crisis
With Spain hit hard by the eurozone crisis, it’s feared even more cash-strapped Brits may try By AMANDA BLACK to milk the UK system to pay fraud abroad costs UK taxfor a life in the sun. payers £43 million every year But the Embassy said in a - and Spain ranks as one of statement: “Taxpayers’ the top destinations for the money should go to those cheats who need it most, not to a That’s why the Department small percentage of Brits for Work and Pensions is who have chosen to fund a promoting a benefit fraud life in Spain at the UK tax- hotline in this country – and payer’s expense.” asking people who suspect It is estimated that benefit someone of cheating to call
Break dance! FELLOW artistes roared to the aid of injured rock ‘n’ roll singer Louise Halsall on Sunday - by staging a special benefit show at Viloriens Restrant in Rojales. The event raised €508, all of which will go to Louise, who suffered an horrific leg fracture when a car ploughed into the back of her father’s motorbike in June. Dad Malcolm Heaton – Ravin’ Rupert to his fans - was among the performers who joined the tribute to Louise (stage name Rockin’ Lou Lou). The show, promoted by Jukebox Promotions, also featured Jukebox Legends (Fiona McLean and Peter Day), Andy Jones, Red Strokes, Tony Kelly and Nick Barker. MC was Mandy O'Hagan. Louise has also been given the use of a wheelchair by Help at Home (Costa Blanca).
900 554 440. They also point out that trying to beat the system is a highly risky business – as benefits cheat Ronald Bunce found out to his cost. Many benefit fraudsters wrongly believe Spain is a safe haven and that they won’t get caught out lying in the sun. Bunce was one of them he claimed Income Support
ing. Bunce, who was caught thanks to an anonymous tipoff, has now swapped his luxury lifestyle for a prison cell. Anyone who suspects a fellow Brit of benefit fraud and is fed up with subsidising their sunshine lifestyle can call the hotline and give details without fear of reprisal. “The system is completely anonymous and you don’t need to give your name and details,’’ say officials. “But the more information you can give about the alleged fraudster, the easier it is for officials to identify the person and investigate the case.’’ More information on benefits and which ones can and cannot be received whilst living in Spain - can be ROCK SOLID: Louise gives the found at www. thumbs up to her benefactors direct.gov.uk and Housing and Council Tax benefit despite owning a £250,000 property in the UK, plus a Spanish villa with swimming pool in the Mazarrón area. He even rented his villa out to holidaymakers for up to €500 per week and kept his council house in the UK just for storage – when it could have been helping to ease the demand for council hous-