Community service for Carlton £29k benefit fraud woman
A Carlton woman will have to carry out 100 hours of community service after admitting claiming more than £29k in Housing Benefit she wasn't entitled to.
Selby
Hazel Branston, 31, pleaded guilty to two charges of failing to notify Selby District Council of a change in her circumstances that affected her entitlement to benefits.
The Council, who mounted the investigation against Ms. Branston, said her entitlement to benefits was reassessed after they discovered she had failed to declare that her landlord was also the father of her child.
Child maintenance payments of £300 meant she had not been entitled to claim the benefit. This resulted in an overpayment of £29,487.35 over a four year period.
Mr. Branston appeared at York Magistrates Court on yesterday where in addition to her community service order she will have to pay costs of £200. The overpayments will be recovered from on-going benefits.
♦ Anyone who suspects benefit fraud can report it to the Council either online via www.selby.gov.uk or by calling the Benefit Fraud hotline on 01757 292230 (you do not have to give your name, you can just leave a message).