Housing benefit overpayment

[oddball]

Hi, I'm trying to help a friend but not sure if it's possible. I've pieced together events as I understand them and basically he's been hit with £17,500 debt due to (as far as I can maike out) his own stupidity. Paying not much rent/council tax due to being on benefits this person (person S) allowed someone else who was homeless to stay at their home (person X) for several years. I understand 'X' was in part-time employment and paid half the benefitted amount to S. Several years later they told the council who said overpayment of benefits had occurred after having been given wage slips etc and slapped this amount on S. X disappeared never to be seen again Bearing in mind S is in his 70s and although made an arrangement to repay the overpayment, he's still entitled to the housing benefits, the overpayment is going to take many years to clear, probably about 54 years.

So I have 2 questions. Can the council slap all this debt onto S ? What happens to the payments if he dies? Bearing in mind he has no assets.
Thanks for any help/advice anyone.

[echat11]

I would go through what the Council has worked out with a 'fine tooth-comb', especially when it concerns figures.

I think you need a bit more advice then we can give here. May I suggest 'Mumsnet'. Remember all decisions can be Appealed, although time limits apply.