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Benefit cheat convicted
A Watford resident has successfully been prosecuted by Watford Borough Council for making false benefit claims.
The woman of Tibbles Close Watford, failed to notify the council of a change of circumstances that affected her entitlement to housing benefit. She did not tell the council that she was in receipt of additional income and that her partner was employed and living with her at Tibbles Close. On the 21 February, the woman pleaded guilty at Hemel Hempstead Magistrates Court. Credit was given for the early guilty plea, and she was sentenced to a 6 months community order with a home curfew requirement between 7pm to 7am, to be monitored via an electronic tag.
Costs of £150 were awarded to the council and as with all fraudulent benefit claims; the guilty woman will be required to pay back £4600 in overpaid benefit.
To report a fraud in confidence, please call the council’s freephone fraud hotline on tel: 0800 458 9200, email: fraud@watford.gov.uk or write to the council’s fraud section at the Town Hall, Watford, WD17 3EX.
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