Stepping Stones back into employment for Horndean jobseekers

Horndean jobhunters can take the steps they need to find employment with a new programme that gives them the skills for the workplace.

The Stepping Stones scheme, run by Horndean Community Association, gives local people the experience, guidance and qualities that will help them succeed in the job market. The 12-week course, which can cater for eight people at a time, has been supported by a £500 grant from East Hampshire District Council.

Horndean Community Association Manager, Brendan Charles, said: “During the course the volunteers work with a mentor and we find out what they need to get them back to work. That might be confidence, interview technique, time management or IT skills.

“The programe will work with, and support other, jobseeking projects set up around the area in a common effort to try to ensure employment, training and experience opportunities for those who need them to get them back into the workplace.” The association is also working hand-in-hand with Highbury College who can offer some of their training resources to those taking part.

Money has been secured for four 12-week Stepping Stones programmes. If these are successful it is hoped the model will be rolled out to other community associations around Hampshire. EHDC’s grant was approved by the Community Forum for the Horndean area. Cllr Sara Schillemore, Chairman of the forum, said: “I congratulate Horndean Community Association for putting this scheme together. It gives people looking for work access to the skills they need to get back onto the employment ladder and I am delighted that we have been able to play our part in making it happen.”

There are three more Stepping Stones programmes to be held during the year. If you are interested in taking part please get in touch with Horndean Community Association on 023 9259 7114 or book online at http://www.merchistounhall.co.uk.

If you would like a grant for your organisation or project then get in touch with East Hampshire District Council on 01730 234107.

Photo: L-R Steve Dawson, Mento, Michelle Tee, Mentor, Cllr Sara Schmillemore, Sue Bonner, Higbury College, Brendan Charles, Horndean Community Association Manager

Horndean couple given suspended prison sentence after £69,000 benefit fraud

A Horndean couple have been given suspended prison sentences after fraudulently claiming more than £69,400 of benefits.

Christine Palmer (43) and Ian Palmer (48), of Merchistoun Road, lied to East Hampshire District Council about where they lived and the nature of their relationship, unfairly securing thousands of pounds of housing and council tax benefit. They were helped by friend Thomas Bryan Dufty (61), of Alton, who signed a flase tenancy agreement in order to facilitate the couple’s fraud also resulting in his Council Tax being paid by the Council.

Between September 2006 and August 2011 Christine Palmer received £23,906.73 of Housing Benefit, £4,456.36 of Council Tax Benefit and £41,070.55 of Income Support to which she was not entitled. A total of £69,433.64. She and her husband, Ian Palmer, had falsely claimed they were living in Dufty’s property in Alton, claiming Council Tax Benefit and Housing Benefit for that address, whereas they were in fact living in Basingstoke.

The couple also claimed that Ian was Christine’s second cousin and carer, in order to attract further benefits, but in fact the couple had been married since 2008. In March 2008, Christine moved to Merchistoun Road, Horndean. She was joined there by her husband but continued to maintain she was living alone and so she received further benefit, to which she was not entitled.

Dufty signed a false tenancy agreement stating the couple were living in Mallards, Alton, whereas in fact he was living there himself. In doing so he helped the Palmers make their fraudulent claims and this enabled the Palmers to receive Council Tax Benefit totalling £1,085.11 in respect of his property in Alton.

On June 14 Aldershot Magistrates Court found Dufty guilty and fined him £400 and ordered him to pay £350 towards prosecution costs.

Christine and Ian Palmer were sentenced at an earlier hearing, in November 2012, at Winchester Crown Court. Christine Palmer received a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, while Ian Palmer was sentenced to 12 weeks imprisonment, suspended for two years. They were also both given a two year supervision order.

Sue Hall Senior Investigations Officer said: “This fraud was a despicable waste of welfare benefit which spanned a considerable period of time and it came to light as a result of a routine visit when Palmer claimed in Merchistoun Road. The benefits team at East Hampshire District Council remain committed to ensuring that benefit is administered to those genuinely entitled to it.”

EHDC Press Release.