Officer jailed for section 106 planning gain fraud

A Reading Borough Council officer has been jailed over a £42,000 fraud involving money raised from developers through section 106 planning gain contributions.

The council said that a review of its Section 106 system in April had uncovered an anomaly that on further investigation proved to involve fraud.

Peter Owusu-Ansah pleaded guilty on 1 August at Reading Crown Court to one charge under section 4 of the Fraud Act, and has now been sentenced to two years’ imprisonment.

A council statement said the review found no other problems but a detailed audit had been undertaken and recommendations were made to improve processes.

Mr Owusu-Ansah’s fraud involved £42,425.84 and the council will use the Proceeds of Crime Act to try to recover money from him.