15/03/2011 - Permalink

Successful prosecution of benefit fraud in Shropshire

Related topics: Community

A 45-year-old Bridgnorth woman admitted housing and council tax benefit offences, which resulted in her being overpaid £1,731.31, when she appeared at Telford Magistrates Court on Monday 14 March 2011.

Paula Marion Brockhurst, of The Hookfield, Bridgnorth, pleaded guilty to one charge of failing to notify a change in circumstances promptly, and a further charge of dishonestly making a false statement in order to obtain housing benefit and council tax benefit from Shropshire Council.

The court fined Brockhurst a total of £375 for the offences, and ordered that she pay £200 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.  She was also ordered to pay back the £1,731.31 she was overpaid.

The case was investigated by Shropshire Council’s investigation team and the prosecution was brought by Shropshire Council.

Council leader, Keith Barrow, said:

“We take benefit fraud very seriously and won’t hesitate to take legal action whenever necessary.”

Shropshire Council encourages people to contact the Fraud Hotline on 0345 678 9033 or the National Benefit Fraud Hotline on 0800 328 6340 if they have any suspicions about benefit fraud being committed.