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Hello,
I am new to Legal Beagles and I am not sure where to post this thread.
I was wrongly accused of by a Local Authority and DWP of dishonestly failing to notify of a change in circumstances affecting Social Security Benefits x 3 Contrary to S111A [1A] Social Security Act.
Due to technical issues, the matter went to the Crown Court I entered a Not Guilty Plea even though I was under pressure to offer up a Guilty Plea, I could not do this as it was simply wrong.
I received an acquittal.
The Judge concluding that I would 'leave the court with my reputation intact'.
The whole episode lasted two years, it was deeply traumatic for me at a very difficult time and I am still affected by the experience.
Since the charges were made, I have been making regular re-payments even though these weren't affordable and I don't agree with the figures.
I have not been in receipt of any benefits since 2012 and it is seven years from the date I was first accused.
I have SpLD's which can make things difficult and unfortunately, due to physical health and mental health issues, I am currently unable to work.
This is so upsetting and has created so much distress it is difficult to challenge.
I am new to Legal Beagles and I am not sure where to post this thread.
I was wrongly accused of by a Local Authority and DWP of dishonestly failing to notify of a change in circumstances affecting Social Security Benefits x 3 Contrary to S111A [1A] Social Security Act.
Due to technical issues, the matter went to the Crown Court I entered a Not Guilty Plea even though I was under pressure to offer up a Guilty Plea, I could not do this as it was simply wrong.
I received an acquittal.
The Judge concluding that I would 'leave the court with my reputation intact'.
The whole episode lasted two years, it was deeply traumatic for me at a very difficult time and I am still affected by the experience.
Since the charges were made, I have been making regular re-payments even though these weren't affordable and I don't agree with the figures.
I have not been in receipt of any benefits since 2012 and it is seven years from the date I was first accused.
I have SpLD's which can make things difficult and unfortunately, due to physical health and mental health issues, I am currently unable to work.
- Recently [2019] I had to claim for Universal Credit.
- I did not receive the full award and when I enquired the DWP said that this Local Authority has stated that my previous claim which was 'fraudulent'.
- I objected and also confirmed this by letter, the DWP [two departments] have since replied stating that the information they hold is accurate unless corrected by the Local Authority.
- It seems that false and damaging information has been distributed throughout the 'system' which has affected how much I can receive plus who knows what else?
- I have written to the Local Authority concerned and have asked that they immediately amend their files, I haven't received a reply.
- Should I also send a Data Access Request so that I can see how they have managed my information, with whom this has been shared and over what period of time?
- I will file a complaint through the normal channels but in parallel would like to discuss this with a solicitor as I am afraid there may be a cover-up.
- Do I have any recourse? Is this 'Defamation' or would this come under breach of Data Protection Laws
This is so upsetting and has created so much distress it is difficult to challenge.
