Two benefit fraudsters have been successfully prosecuted by Lichfield District Council.

Fifty-three-year-old Neil Hickman of Ironstone Road in Chase Terrace, Burntwood, will have six months to pay up or face 18 months in prison after Stafford Crown Court imposed a confiscation order under the Proceeds of Crime Act to the value of £23,384 on July 16.

He had fraudulently claimed a total of £22,985 in council tax benefit from Lichfield District Council and income support from the Department of Work and Pensions. Hickman repaid some of this, and the confiscation order was imposed for £2,251 council tax benefit and £19,432 income support, plus £1,701 interest.

Hickman had previously pleaded guilty at Stafford Magistrates Court in January to two charges of dishonestly failing to promptly notify each department of a change in his circumstances. The court heard that he did not declare that he had capital over the prescribed limits for claiming these benefits.

In March the court sentenced him to an 18 month community punishment order with supervision for these offences and the confiscation hearing was set.

Lichfield District Council leader Mike Wilcox said: “This confiscation orders shows just how seriously the court takes fraud.

“We hope it will serve as a reminder to residents to make sure they are only claiming the benefit they are entitled to. When making a claim, it is really important to declare your true circumstances and report any subsequent changes straight away, such as any savings you might have, as this can affect your entitlement to housing or council tax benefit.

“If you would like advice about your claim, please contact our benefits team as soon as possible, so they can help to make sure you are getting the right amount.”

In another case, on July 12 at Burton Magistrates’ Court, 28-year-old Kimberley Allen, of Brook Court in Lichfield, pleaded guilty to one charge of failing to declare a change of circumstances promptly, and one charge of making a false representation in connection with her claim to housing benefit.

The court heard how she failed to declare that she had a partner living with her. As a result of her actions, she was overpaid £2,247 in housing benefit.

As well as having to repay the money, Miss Allen was fined £115, and ordered to pay £350 costs and £15 victim surcharge.

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.