Two women from Thanet have been given Community Punishment Orders, after falsely claiming that they were both lone parents.
In the first case, Julie Sheringham (24), formerly of William Avenue, Margate, failed to notify the council and the Department of Work and Pensions that she was living with her partner. As a result, she was overpaid £390.79 in Council Tax Benefit, £5,642.32 in Income Support and £1,852.72 in Housing Benefit. She admitted the offences when interviewed and pleaded guilty to the offences at the earliest opportunity.
She was ordered to complete a Community Punishment Order for 240 hours unpaid work and was given a Compensation Order for £1,596.80, in relation to the Housing Benefit overpayment, to be paid at a rate of £10 per week. She was also ordered to pay £150 costs.
In a separate case, Stacey Watkins (29) from Camden Road, Broadstairs failed to notify the council that her child was a close relative of the landlord. As a result, she was not entitled to claim Housing Benefit for the property. She was interviewed twice, first stating that her child was not related to the landlord, then saying that she may be. In total, she was overpaid £3,130.07.
She attended court and pleaded guilty to the charge. She was sentenced to an 18 month Community Punishment Order for 120 hours unpaid work. She was also given a Compensation Order for £2,970.07 in relation to the Housing Benefit overpayment, to be paid at a rate of £40 per month. Due to her limited income, she was not made to pay the costs of £150.
Cllr. Simon Moores, Cabinet Member for Customer Services, said: "These cases both highlight the range of sanctions that can await those who try to falsely claim benefits. It's a further stark reminder that, if you claim you are living alone, when in fact you are living with someone, action may be taken against you to reclaim the benefits you are paid. Reductions are only given to those living on their own and, if your circumstances change, you need to notify the council as soon as possible."
To notify the council of a change in your circumstances, call 01843 577368
Monday 21 September 2009
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Cllr. Simon Moores, Cabinet Member for Customer Services, said: "These cases both highlight the range of sanctions that can await those who try to falsely claim benefits. It's a further stark reminder that, if you claim you are living alone, when in fact you are living with someone, action may be taken against you to reclaim the benefits you are paid. Reductions are only given to those living on their own and, if your circumstances change, you need to notify the council as soon as possible."
ReplyDeleteUnless you're an MP !!!
or councillor
ReplyDelete