Waste and recycling collections will start earlier than usual at 6am on Friday 10 July to help protect the crews from rising temperatures - Collection updates
Council takes action against Council Tax Reduction fraud to protect public funds
Friday 10 July 2026
Bridgend County Borough Council has successfully prosecuted a Bridgend resident for offences relating to Council Tax Reduction fraud, reinforcing its commitment to protecting public funds and ensuring that financial support is available for those who are eligible.
At Cardiff Magistrates' Court on 12 June 2026, Justin Tellem, of Bridgend, pleaded guilty to four offences under the Council Tax Reduction Scheme (Detection of Fraud and Enforcement) (Wales) Regulations 2013.
The offences related to Mr Tellem dishonestly failing to notify the council that he had started employment with three separate employers, resulting in a significant increase in his earnings. He also failed to declare deposits into his bank account exceeding £10,700. The offences covered the period from January 2020 to August 2023.
As a result of the fraudulent claims, Mr Tellem incorrectly received £4,034.56 in Council Tax Reduction, which he is required to repay. The court also imposed a £784 fine, a £314 victim surcharge and ordered Mr Tellem to pay £1,000 in prosecution costs.
Residents receiving Council Tax Reduction are reminded to report changes in their income, employment or financial circumstances as soon as possible to ensure they continue to receive the correct level of support and to avoid the risk of overpayments or prosecution.
“This prosecution demonstrates that we will take action against anyone who deliberately provides false information or fails to report changes in their circumstances in order to claim public funds they are not entitled to receive. "Every pound lost to fraud is money that cannot be used to support essential council services or residents who genuinely need financial assistance. “We will continue to investigate suspected fraud and prosecute offenders where appropriate and this case should serve as a warning that Council Tax Reduction fraud is a criminal offence with potential legal consequences.”