NEWS RELEASES
In court for benefit fraud
22nd August 2007
A WOMAN from Horsham has been in court for receiving more than £6980 in benefit she was not entitled to.
Rhonda Gillian Young, 36, of Manor Road in Horsham, pleaded guilty at Crawley Magistrates Court on Monday 20 August 2007 to offences under Section 111A (1A) of the Social Security Administration Act 1992 involving Housing and Council Tax Benefit fraud of £6983.47
The Court imposed a sentence of 180 hours Community Punishment Order and awarded costs of £175 to Horsham District Council.
In addition she has to repay the Housing and Council Tax Benefit overpayment in full to Horsham District Council.
Ms Young dishonestly failed to give prompt notification of a change in her circumstances, namely failure to declare that she was working as a self employed taxi driver.
The fraud was discovered as the Council regularly matches its benefit records to those of other departments and other councils in order to identify potential frauds.
Horsham District Council’s Fraud Manager, Andy New, commented:
”Horsham District Council takes benefit fraud seriously and this case highlights our continued commitment to prosecute those who deliberately abuse the benefit system.
“This authority is very aware of its requirement to protect public funds and also aims to ensure that benefits are delivered accurately and promptly to those claimants who have a true entitlement to them.”
A confidential Benefit Fraud hotline has been set up by Horsham District Council for reports of suspected false claims - call 01403 215511.
Meanwhile, Horsham District Council is keen to make sure that people get all of the benefits they are genuinely entitled to – call 01403 215359 or visit the website for details.
Ends
CONTACT: Richard Morris, Communications Manager
Email: richard.morris@horsham.gov.uk