Date: 07/11/2007
A New Mills woman, who pleaded guilty to benefit fraud at High Peak Magistrates Court, in Terrace Road, on Monday, November 5, 2007, has received a conditional discharge for six months and ordered to pay the Council's costs of £75.
Lynn Yates, aged 54, of High Street, New Mills, admitted receiving housing benefit, council tax benefit and job seekers allowance falsely, by failing to declare her work at the Shell Petrol Station in Tytherington, Macclesfield.
The offences were discovered after a joint operation between the Council and the Department of Work and Pensions.
Yates was charged, under the Social Security Administration Act, with failing to report a change in her circumstances in November 2006, and then with making a false statement in March 2007.
The Magistrates ordered Yates to repay the £2,779 that she had dishonestly received between 6 November 2006 and 28 April 2007.
Councillor Emily Thrane, Executive Member for Corporate Services, said: "The Council will always pursue those who steal housing and council tax benefits. Please tell our fraud team if you know of anybody who is cheating in this way."
From April until the end of October 2007, the Council's fraud team has identified overpayments totalling £78,421. In addition, 38 people have been sanctioned or prosecuted.
If you know anybody who is claiming housing benefit or council tax benefit falsely, you can phone High Peak Borough Council's dedicated fraud hotline on 01298 28433, or report fraud online at www.highpeak.gov.uk/housing/benefits/FraudHotline.asp. You do not have to leave your name.