Urmston woman convicted of benefit fraud (From Messenger Newspapers)

Urmston woman convicted of benefit fraud

4:03pm Thursday 30th August 2012 in News By Kate Banks, Reporter

AN Urmston woman has been convicted of benefit fraud.

Clare Higson, 24, of Kingsway Park was convicted of dishonestly obtaining Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit and Income Support amounting to £2,876.95.

She was handed a 12 month Community Order with 80 hours of unpaid community work at Manchester Magistrates Court on August 28.
 

Miss Higson pleaded guilty to failing to report changes in her circumstances to the Department for Work and Pensions and Trafford Council’s Benefits Department.

She had her partner living with her and as a result was overpaid Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit and Income Support between November 2011 and March 2012.
 

Council Counter Fraud Officers were alerted to the matter following anonymous information received by the Department for Work and Pensions.
 

The subsequent investigation established that the offence had been going on for some time.
 

Executive councillor, Sean Anstee, said: "Benefit fraud will not be tolerated in Trafford and the Council will not hesitate to take action against those who commit this type of crime.

“I urge residents to report anyone who they suspect is committing benefit fraud."

If you suspect anyone of benefit fraud contact Trafford Council on 0161 912 2852 or via Freefone number 0800 328 6340.