Woman convicted of benefit fraud (From Messenger Newspapers)

Woman convicted of benefit fraud

9:00am Wednesday 5th September 2012 in News

A WOMAN has been ordered to carry out unpaid work in the community after being convicted of benefit fraud.

Rajwinder Kaur, aged 31, of Knutsford Avenue, Old Trafford, was convicted on August 31 of dishonestly obtaining council tax benefit and income support amounting to £14,193.69.

Kaur pleaded guilty to failing to report changes in her circumstances to the Department for Work and Pensions and Trafford Council’s benefits department, in that she had her husband living with her.

As a result, she has been overpaid council tax benefit and income support between October 2007 and August 2011.

She was sentenced at Trafford Magistrates’ Court to 16 weeks custody suspended for two years and ordered to do 150 hours of unpaid work.

She also has to pay costs of £665. In addition to this she is required to repay all the money that she falsely claimed from the Department for Work and Pensions and Trafford Council.

Council Counter fraud officers were alerted to this matter following anonymous information received by Trafford Council which identified that Kaur had her husband living with her.

An investigation undertaken 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