Three Richmondshire women ended up in
court last year as a result of the District Council’s campaign
against benefit fraud.
They had claimed almost £10,000 in benefits
they were not entitled to.
The cases were part of £50,586 of overpayments
identified by the housing and council tax benefits team in the year
to March 31.
The team received 230 allegations during the
year – 191 of which were fully investigated.
They resulted in 18 sanctions being accepted
by claimants for numerous types of fraud - including cases of
people living together and failing to declare savings, former
employers pensions and earnings.
These included six formal cautions being
accepted; nine Administrative Penalties given - resulting in
£3431.46 of added penalty to be paid to the council; and three
cases taken to court.
They resulted in:
· a 43 year old
woman being found guilty of failing to declare a relevant change in
her circumstances on her claim for Housing and Council Tax
Benefit. This was the second time she had appeared in court
for offences against the benefit system. An overpayment of
£1179.34 was caused. She was ordered to pay a fine of £100, costs
of £100 and a victims surcharge of £15.
· a 58 year old
woman being found guilty of failing to declare that she had
returned to full time work, and continuing to receive Housing and
Council Tax Benefit, for a period of 14 months. This caused
an overpayment of £4889.32. She received a Conditional
Discharge and was ordered to pay £100 in costs.
· a 46 year old
woman being found guilty of failing to declare that she and her
partner had started working, whilst continuing to receive Housing
and Council Tax Benefit, for a period of nine months. An
overpayment of £3931.44 was created. She was ordered to pay a
fine of £100, costs of £100 and a victims surcharge of £15.
in all cases the overpayment must be re-paid.
“Richmondshire District Council is determined
to crack down on benefit fraud and will continue to protect the
public purse by identifying claims which have been made incorrectly
or fraudulently,” said Assistant Director, Simon Fletcher.
May 16, 2011