Three people have been prosecuted for benefit fraud by Lichfield District Council
Darren Plumb, of Bloomfield Crescent, Lichfield, pleaded guilty to two charges of failing to promptly report a change of circumstances in connection to his claim to housing benefit, council tax benefit and employment support allowance at Burton Magistrates Court on January 8.
The court heard that the 41-year-old had failed to report that he had started paid employment in June 2010. As a result, he was overpaid more than £10,900 in benefits he was not entitled to.
He was sentenced to an 18-month community order, an 18 month supervision order and 200 hours of unpaid work, and £85 costs. The benefit fraudulently obtained will also have to be repaid in full.
Two days later at Cannock Magistrates’ Court, 57-year-old Sandra Turner, of Collins Hill in Lichfield, pleaded guilty to two charges of failing to give prompt notification of a change of circumstances in connection with her claim to housing benefit, council tax benefit and income support.
The court heard that Turner failed to declare that she held capital above set limits. As a result, she was overpaid more than £10,700 in benefits she was not entitled to. She was sentenced to a 12-month supervision order and costs of £100 and is repaying the fraudulently obtained money.
Thirty-two-year-old Estelle Stocks, of The Beck in Elford, appeared at Burton Magistrates’ Court on January 28 where she pleaded guilty to two charges of failing to give prompt notification of a change of circumstances in connection with her claim for housing benefit, council tax benefit and income support.
The court heard that Stocks failed to declare that she had a partner living with her. As a result, she was overpaid more than £15,800 in benefits.
She was sentenced to a 12-month community punishment order, 280 hours of unpaid work, and ordered to pay costs of £100. She is also repaying the fraudulently obtained money.
Councillor Mike Wilcox, Leader of Lichfield District Council, said: “If you are claiming benefits, it’s really important to make sure you report any changes in your circumstances to the correct department straightaway. If you are worried about your claim, please contact us as soon as possible, so we can help to make sure you are claiming the right amount.”
