Oliver Schneider, 49, was sentenced at Basildon Crown Court after Southend Council’s counter fraud team uncovered he had altered or forged documents resulting in his firm Facility Architects claiming over £110,000 more than was legitimately spent.
This forced the council to return more than £360,000 in grant funds to the European Regional Development Fund.
The case stems from his involvement in the “Really Smart House Project”, a partnership between Southend Council, South Essex Homes, and The Facility Architects, which Schneider co-directed.
Schneider, of West Malling, Kent, was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, after he admitted five counts of forgery in February 2024.
Paul Collins, councillor for finance, assets and investments, said: “This case underscores our unwavering commitment to protecting public funds and holding those who commit fraud accountable.
“Thanks to the persistence of our counter fraud and investigation team, this deception has been uncovered, and steps are being taken to recover significant losses.
“The prosecution of this case suffered significant delays due to the pandemic and subsequent court backlogs, but we remained determined to see justice served.
“Fraud of this nature directly impacts our ability to deliver vital services. We will continue to take strong action to deter, detect, and prosecute fraud wherever it occurs.”
The “smart house” project, which was partly funded by the European fund, aimed to retrofit housing stock with advanced environmental features on a not-for-profit basis.
Inconsistencies were discovered in invoices, bank statements, and pay slips submitted by Schneider’s company for the reimbursement of project costs in 2013. A full investigation was launched in 2019.
Schneider’s sentence on December 19 did not include any conditions, such as rehabilitation activity requirements, and the council has begun proceedings to recover its losses.
A further 17 fraud offences will lie on file. Schneider’s co-defendant, Claire Price, was found not guilty after the council offered no evidence against her.
Anyone with information about fraud or economic crime against Southend Council can report it in confidence to the counter fraud and investigation team on 01702 215254 or email counterfraud@southend.gov.uk.