Benefit cheat pleads guilty
Crime
A Houghton Regis woman has been sentenced to four weeks in prison – suspended for six months – and given a two month curfew after pleading guilty of falsely claiming benefits.
Sharron Poynter, 45, of Kensington Close pleaded guilty to dishonestly failing to notify Central Beds Council that she got married in 2009. This change affected her entitlement to Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit and she subsequently received money she was not entitled to.
She also admitted allowing a joint benefit claim form to be submitted to the council, even though she knew the information contained in it, namely that her husband Mr Lee Poynter was not working when in fact he was employed, was false.
Mrs Poynter will also have to repay the £3,757 Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit she received unlawfully as well as pay costs of £250.
Councillor Maurice Jones said: “Benefits cheats take money away from those people who really need it. This investigation clearly shows that we will not tolerate abuse of the benefits system and will take appropriate action against those who do try to make a fraudulent claim.
If you suspect someone of benefite fraud, call the council’s confidential 24-hour hotline on 0300 3005557. To find out more about paying council tax, or to enquire about housing benefit eligibility, call the Money and Benefits helpline on 0300 3008306.
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Sunday 19 May 2013
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