A man from St Day has received an 18 month conditional discharge for council tax fraud after failing to declare other adults were living at his house over a ten year period.

Colin Hall, aged 57, of West End, pleaded guilty at Truro Magistrates Court to one count of fraud which had resulted in a total loss to Cornwall Council of £2,530.10.

It was established that Hall had advised the council that he was the only resident in his property and had completed a form in April 2015 confirming this. This resulted in him receiving a 25 per cent discount off his council tax bill. However, it was established by the council that there were other people aged over 18 living in the property and that in fact, there had been other people aged over 18 living there since April 2005.

After hearing a report from the probation service the bench sentenced Hall to an 18 month conditional discharge. He was also ordered to pay a contribution of £500 towards the council’s costs and £15 victim surcharge. The overpaid council tax support has been repaid in full by Hall.

Cornwall Council operates a "zero tolerance" policy to fraud and corruption. If you suspect fraud is occurring call freephone 0800 7316125.