On Friday 22 February at Redhill Magistrates’ Court, a Mill Lane resident in Hurst Green was found guilty of benefit fraud, given a conditional discharge for two years and ordered to pay the Council’s costs of £472. By claiming she did not live with a partner, the resident defrauded the Council of housing benefit of £6,888 and council tax benefit of £835 for three years.
In July 2005, May 2006 and June 2007, she signed an official form stating she did not have a partner living with her, which was untrue. She claimed her joint tenant was just a friend/flatmate, although she did have joint bank accounts with him.
Following a review of single claimants, the guilty resident's benefit was suspended in June 2007 and the Council started an investigation. In August 2007 she attended an interview under caution at the Council and admitted she did live with her partner. The Council decided to prosecute. She is now paying the money she wrongly claimed back.
The message to residents facing financial problems is to seek help at an early stage avoid a court appearence and a criminal record. The Council has a special Fraud Hotline - 01883 732971, which can be used to report suspected benefit fraud. All calls are treated confidentially.
