21 August 2008A Sevenoaks woman who deceived benefit staff to claim more than £2,500 that she wasn’t entitled to was successfully prosecuted last week.
Miss Emma Campbell, 35, of Watercress Drive, Sevenoaks pleaded guilty to three charges relating to offences under section 111A of the Social Security Adminitration Act 1992 at Sevenoaks Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 13 May.
This followed an investigation, conducted jointly by the Department for Work & Pensions and Sevenoaks District Council, which established that Miss Campbell had falsely claimed Income Support, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit for a four month period between February 2007 and June 2007, by failing to declare that she was living with a partner.
As a result of her actions Miss Campbell received £1,327.29 Housing Benefit, £310.88 Council Tax Benefit and £973.84 Income Support which she knew she was not entitled to.
At court, Miss Campbell was given a community punishment order and ordered to do 80 hours unpaid work. Miss Campbell was also ordered to pay legal costs of £60.
Sevenoaks District Council is actively seeking the repayment of the benefit claimed illegally.
Cllr Brian Ramsay, Sevenoaks District Council’s Cabinet member with responsibility for finance, says: "Benefit fraud is a serious crime that impacts on each and every tax payer. We will not tolerate such an abuse of the benefits system and will pursue anyone we believe to breaking the law.”
If the public has any information relating to benefit fraud, they can call Sevenoaks District Council's confidential benefit fraud hotline 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 01732 227445.
