A Sharnbrook man who ran a yoga and healing retreat from his home while fraudulently claiming council tax relief for six years has been ordered to pay £13,190.38 at Luton Crown Court.
Antonio Noto, also known as Tony, of Templars Way, admitted to fraudulently claiming Council Tax Support and a single person discount.
Business exposed
An investigation by Bedford Borough Council’s Investigation Service began after a tip-off revealed Noto and his partner were running a yoga retreat and Airbnb from their Templars Way home.
Council officers discovered a website listing the couple as hosts, alongside records from Companies House, financial institutions, the DWP, and school admissions confirming they lived together.
Evaded court
During interviews, Noto denied living with anyone and told council officers to inform the police if he had committed fraud, refusing to answer their questions.
After the council launched legal proceedings, Noto failed to attend court on two occasions, prompting judges to issue warrants for his arrest.
He submitted a guilty plea days before his trial was scheduled to start.
Court sentence
The judge ruled that money was the root cause of the offending and on 27 August 2026 handed Noto a three-year conditional discharge.
He was ordered to pay £5,860.38 in compensation within six months, in addition to £7,330 in legal and investigation costs.
A Bedford Borough Council spokesperson said: “Council Tax fraud is not a victimless crime; it diverts vital funding away from residents who need it most and places an unfair burden on honest taxpayers.
“We will not hesitate to investigate and prosecute anyone who dishonestly claims support they are not entitled to.
“When prosecuting these matters the Council not only seeks to recover the money stolen but also have the offender pay for the costs of the investigation and legal action taken against them.”
