A MAN continued to claim employment support allowance despite banking a £22,000 inheritance.

Blackburn magistrates heard Peter Hunter failed to inform the benefits agency of his windfall and as a result there was a £9,361 overpayment in a 26-month period.

Hunter, 65, of Rawstorne Street, Blackburn, admitted dishonestly failing to notify a change of circumstances which affected his entitlement to benefits. He was fined £160 with £85 costs.

Stacey Morrow, prosecuting, said the charge related to the period between March 2017 and May 2019. Hunter was claiming benefits on the basis that he was fit to work and he had declared his true circumstances.

“Information came to light which showed he had significant capital which he had failed to declare.

Damian Pickup, defending, said it was a shame to see someone who had never been in trouble before appearing in court for the first time at the age of 65.

“He worked from the age of 15 until his mental and physical health deteriorated in 2015,” said Mr Pickup. “He started claiming employment support allowance due to the fact he was unfit for work.”

Mr Pickup said around that time the defendant’s mother died, which hit him hard.

“It took two years for her affairs to be sorted out and in 2017 he inherited £22,000,” said Mr Pickup.

“He placed the vast majority in an ISA and did not touch it. He continued to live off employment support allowance and because he wasn’t using his inheritance he honestly believed he did not have to declare it.

“Had he declared the inheritance he would have been entitled to the allowance, but not as much.”