A Gateshead woman has been fined for dishonestly claiming housing and council tax benefits.
Claire Howourth, 29, of Aycliffe Crescent, Gateshead, was caught following a review which highlighted regular undeclared deposits into her bank account.
It was discovered that the deposits were being made from her partner’s wages – yet she had failed to declare that her partner was in full time employment when she claimed housing benefit and council tax benefit.
At Gateshead Magistrates today (30 September), Ms Howourth pleaded guilty to falsely claiming £797.15 in housing benefits and £346.49 in council tax benefits by failing to declare her partner’s income. She was fined £90, plus £100 costs, and arrangements were made for her to repay the money she had falsely claimed.
Derek Coates, director of finance at Gateshead Council, said: "This case underlines the need to report changes in your circumstances “
“We treat any attempt to defraud benefits as a serious matter and we are committed to bringing such fraudsters before the courts. I hope this case serves as a lesson to others.”
Anyone with good reason to suspect that a benefit fraud is being committed in Gateshead can provide details, anonymously if necessary, by ringing (0191) 433 3748 during office hours, or (0191) 477 9954 at any other time, or by e-mail to fraudinvestigations@gateshead.gov.uk.