Houghton Regis benefit cheat ordered to repay £60k

Published on 23/09/2012 12:56

A woman from Houghton Regis has been sentenced to six months in prison and ordered to repay almost £60,000 after falsely claiming benefits for nearly 10 years.

Christina Wincheser, of Drury Lane, pleaded guilty to knowingly failing to report to Central Beds Council and the Department for Work and Pensions that she had started work in April 2003.

Entering employment affected the 54-year-old’s entitlement to Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit from the council, and she also received overpayments of £35,400.32 from the Department for Work and Pensions.

Mrs Winchester will have to repay the £18,771.54 Housing Benefit and £4,506.60 Council Tax Benefit she received unlawfully.

Added to the money received from the DWP, she will have to repay a total of £58,678.46.

Councillor Richard Wenham, member for corporate resources, said: “Benefits cheats take money away from those people who really need it.

“This investigation with the Department for Work and Pensions 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.

“While we take a hard line against anyone who falsely claims benefits, help is always available for people who are genuinely entitled to receive financial aid.”

The council have a confidential fraud hotline for anyone who suspects they know of someone claiming benefits fraudulently – call 0300 3005557 – 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The council also offer a ‘money and benefits’ helpline foor anyone unsure of their eligibility for council tax or housing benefits.

Any residents who would like further information should call 0300 3008306.

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Houghton Regis benefit cheat ordered to repay £60k

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