A LIVERPOOL man who claimed £40,000 in single-person’s benefits while living with his partner has been jailed for nine months.

Peter Collier, of Brierwood Road, was found to have joint finances with his female partner, with whom he went on holiday.

An investigation by the council’s benefit investigations team, run by Liverpool Direct, found the offences dated back four years.

Collier was charged with two counts of dishonestly making false representations under the Social Security Administration Act, and failing to notify the Department of Work and Pensions of a change in his living arrangements.

The judge at Chester Crown Court told Collier, 46, theft from the public purse was a serious offence.

He will now have to repay the benefits.

City finance leader Cllr Flo Clucas said the council would not hesitate to investigate and prosecute benefit cheats.

She added: “In these difficult economic times, it is more vital than ever that benefits go to those who are eligible.

“Every penny claimed fraudulently is a penny less that can be used for people who are in need.

“We are also determined to help people claim benefits that they may be missing out on.

“Our benefits maximisation team is there to assist, and has helped thousands of people to claim millions of pounds extra in recent years.”

In the past 12 months, the council has carried out 795 investigations and brought 68 successful prosecutions.