Three Lichfield residents have been prosecuted for benefit fraud.
On June 6 at Burton Magistrates’ Court, 27-year-old Michelle Carter, of Booth Close, pleaded guilty to four charges of failing to give a prompt notification of a change in circumstances to Lichfield District Council and the Department for Works and Pensions.
The court heard that she had failed to declare that both she and her partner were working. As a result, she was overpaid £2,710 in housing and council tax benefit and £3,213 in income support – a total of £5,923, which she is now repaying.
She received a fine of £100 plus a £15 victim surcharge and was ordered to pay costs of £100.
The following day at Burton Magistrates’ Court, 42-year-old Sharron Jermin, of Pipers Croft in Lichfield, pleaded guilty to one charge of failing to give a prompt notification of a change in circumstances to Lichfield District Council.
The court heard that Mrs Jermin failed to declare that she had reconciled with her husband and that he had returned to the marital home in May 2010.
As a result of her actions, she was overpaid £2,876 in housing and council tax benefit, which she is now repaying. She was sentenced to 80 hours unpaid work and ordered to pay costs of £300.
On July 19 at Burton Magistrates’ Court, 22-year-old Leanne Harrison, of Oakenfield in Lichfield, pleaded guilty to two charge of failing to give prompt notification of a change of circumstances in connection with her claims to income support, housing and council tax benefit.
The court heard that Miss Harrison failed to declare promptly that she had started paid work. As a result of her actions, Miss Harrison was overpaid a total of £6,333 in income support and housing and council tax benefit, which she is now repaying.
She was given an 18 months conditional discharge and ordered to pay £100 costs.
Councillor Mike Wilcox, Leader of Lichfield District Council and Cabinet Member for Finance, Revenues and Benefits, said:
“Deliberately withholding information that affects your benefit claim is stealing. This is why we take it so seriously and are continuing to target benefit theives. If anyone is worried about their housing or council tax benefit claim, please do contact the team at the council as soon as possible, as they will help you to make sure you are claiming the right amount.”
To report benefit fraud call 0800 783 1030 or textphone 0800 328 6341 or email bit@lichfielddc.gov.uk.
