Whitchurch woman prosecuted for housing benefit fraud
A woman from Whitchurch has been prosecuted by Shropshire Council for housing benefit fraud.
Tracey Robinson, 48, claimed Housing Benefit but failed to give prompt notification to Shropshire Council knowing her change in liability to pay rent would affect her entitlement to benefit.
Between 13 February 2012 and 10 March 2013 she benefited from over £3,700 to which she was not entitled.
Mrs Robinson entered a guilty plea and due to her early guilty plea and previous good character, the Magistrates sentenced her to a Conditional Discharge and ordered her to pay costs of £50 to Shropshire Council. She will also be liable to pay back the £3,765.33 that she was not entitled to.
Frances Darling, service manager for safer and stronger communities, said:
“It is the responsibility of people claiming Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit to declare any income or capital to the council plus any changes to their circumstances. Where people fail to do this, the council will investigate the matter and will require the money to be repaid. In addition, we will not hesitate to prosecute where this is appropriate.”
Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member responsible for Public Protection added:
“Claimants need to be aware that benefit fraud will not be tolerated in Shropshire. We have a duty to protect the public purse and to ensure that those members of our community who genuinely need financial assistance through the benefit system have the help and support they need. Claimants who obtain benefits that they are not entitled to undermine the efficiency and effectiveness of the welfare benefit system.
“I strongly urge all claimants to provide the benefits service with accurate claim information at all times and to promptly provide any changes to their circumstances that may affect their entitlement to benefits.”
