Conviction for benefit fraud

A Sutton woman was given a community order on 3 June to carry out 160 hours of unpaid work, after she admitted failing to declare she was living with a partner, resulting in her being overpaid nearly £13,000 in benefits and income support. She must also pay £100 costs.

A Sutton woman was given a community order on 3 June to carry out 160 hours of unpaid work, after she admitted failing to declare she was living with a partner, resulting in her being overpaid nearly £13,000 in benefits and income support. She must also pay £100 costs.

Acting on an anonymous tip-off made to North Norfolk District Council, NNDC and the Department for Work and Pensions investigated the housing benefit, council tax benefit and income support paid to Rachael Stone, of Moor Road, Sutton.

Norwich magistrates heard how she was overpaid £9530.44 in council tax and housing benefit, and £3298.75 in income support, when she had not declared that she was living with a partner from May 2007.

The overpaid benefits are being recovered by North Norfolk District Council and the Department for Work and Pensions.

UPDATE 23 June, 2010

A woman from Potter Heigham pleaded guilty at Cromer Magistrates on Monday 21 June to failing to tell the Benefits department at North Norfolk District Council that her earnings had increased. This resulted in her being overpaid housing and council tax benefits totalling £4283.83 over a 16 month period. Kay Davidson, of Vicarage Close, Potter Heigham was fined £100 and order to pay £100 towards the costs of the prosecution. Mrs Davidson is repaying the overpaid benefit to North Norfolk District Council.

ENDS