Local Resident Charged With Benefit Fraud

A Beverley woman, Eileen Brown (63) of Cherry Tree Lane, appeared before East Yorkshire Magistrates on Tuesday 19th November 2013 and pleaded guilty to two counts of benefit fraud.

Brown failed to declare a private pension in her application for housing and council tax benefit in 2008. She also failed to inform the East Riding of Yorkshire Council when she began receiving a second pension in 2011. Both are offences contrary to the Social Security Administration Act 1992.

At the Magistrates, Court Brown received a 18-month order of conditional discharge, and she was ordered to pay £350 towards legal costs. She will also have to repay the benefit overpayment of £3,979.92 that she received during the period October 2008 to April 2013.
Jeff Taylor, principal fraud investigation and enforcement manager said, “We are determined to safeguard the funds available for genuine claimants. Anyone found to be fraudulently claiming benefit face being brought before the courts and if convicted, receiving a criminal record. Taxpayers are the victims of benefit fraud, and I urge East Riding residents to report their suspicions to us, providing as much information as possible”

This prosecution was taken after consideration of the East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s Prosecution Policy.

Anyone who suspects benefit fraud in the East Riding area can call the 24 Hour – Benefit Fraud Hotline in confidence on 01482 394949, Text 07786 200 850, or email benefit.fraud@eastriding.gov.uk, in confidence.