Carlton resident guilty of Housing Benefit fraud

Stephen Western, 52, formerly of Constantine Avenue, York failed to notify the City of York Council when he moved to The Link, Carlton and continue to claim benefits at that property. He received an overpayment of Housing Benefit of £1,223.30 from the City of York Council. He then claimed Housing Benefit from Selby District Council, claiming he was a lodger at a property in Carlton, resulting in an overpayment of £931.28.

He appeared at York Magistrates Court yesterday (Thursday 30 January) charged with failing to notify York City Council of a change in circumstance, making false statements to Selby District Council in order to claim Housing Benefit and falsely claiming he was a lodger in order to claim Housing Benefit, contrary to the Social Security Administration Act 1992. He was fined £150, ordered to pay costs of £100 and a victim surcharge of £20.

Karen Bramley, 52, of the Link, Carlton, falsely claimed Mr Western was her lodger, contrary to the Social Security Administration Act 1992. When she appeared at York Magistrates Court yesterday she was fined £100, ordered to pay costs of £100 and a victim surcharge of £20.

The offences covered a period from October 2012 to May 2013. These overpayments will be recovered directly from the claimant. 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: 01757 292230 (you do not have to give your name, you can just leave a message).