article_snippet.sent: But the Daily Mail can reveal that despite The former Big Issue salesman and busker ample fortune, James Bowen, 36, continued to have The former Big Issue salesman and busker rent paid for by housing benefit.
article_snippet.sent: Since 2012 the taxpayer has forked out £15,500 for James Bowen – who has a personal accountant – to live in a personal accountant – housing association flat in Haringey, North London.
article_snippet.sent: A former friend of James Bowen said: ‘A former friend of Bowen was fully aware A former friend of Bowen should not have been getting housing benefit, but failed to stop it.
article_snippet.sent: A former friend of Bowen hasn’t been hurrying to buy A former friend of Bowen own house either.
article_snippet.sent: The Daily Mail can reveal that despite earning an ample fortune from the book (left with Bob; cover right), James Bowen, 36, continued to have James Bowen rent paid for by housing benefit .
article_snippet.sent: In an interview two years ago James Bowen said James Bowen was off benefits and saving up to get a mortgage.
article_snippet.sent: James Bowen added James Bowen would use James Bowen newfound wealth to help drug and homelessness rehabilitation programmes.
article_snippet.sent: Last night Bowen’s spokesman said James Bowen was unaware housing benefit was still paying James Bowen rent until December, when it came up in a mortgage application, and has since paid up.
article_snippet.sent: James Bowen added housing benefit was still being paid last week despite requests for it to stop.
article_snippet.sent: Speaking to the Mail yesterday, James Bowen denied responsibility, claiming James Bowen told the council about James Bowen change of fortunes – but could not say if James Bowen had followed the correct procedure.
highlights_snippet.sent: Since 2012 taxpayer has forked out £15,500 for James Bowen's flat .
  
highlights_snippet.sent: 36-year-old denied responsibility and claimed James Bowen's told the council .