LDC Targets Benefit Fraud
| Published: 29th January 2007 10:43 |
Published: Thursday 25th January 2007
Lichfield District Council is determined to stamp out benefit fraud, and has started 2007 as it means to go on with a successful prosecution against a Lichfield woman.
On 10th January 2007 at Tamworth Magistrates Court, Clare Harper of Shenstone House, Lichfield was convicted of benefit fraud. She pleaded guilty to a charge of failing to notify Lichfield District Council of a change in her circumstances.
The court heard that Miss Harper had failed to declare an increase in her earnings and had fraudulently received over £1,640 of Housing Benefit as a result. She was sentenced to conditional discharge for 12 months, £350 costs and will have to pay the benefit she fraudulently obtained back to Lichfield District Council.
Councillor Colin Greatorex, Cabinet Member for Finance, Revenues and Benefits, said: "We know our taxpayers feel as strongly as us on the issue of benefit fraud and will not tolerate it. This successful prosecution proves we're getting results and we are determined to investigate and prosecute anyone suspected of this crime."
If you claim benefits, it is important that you inform Lichfield District Council as soon as your wages increase or if you start a new job. If you are in any doubt about your entitlements, please call our benefits team on 01543 308900, or visit www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/changes.
Finally, if you suspect someone of committing benefit fraud, please call the Benefit Fraud Hotline on 0800 7831030.
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