Prosecution serves as a reminder to benefit claimants

Shropshire Council’s public protection service is reminding housing benefit and council tax support claimants of their statutory duty to promptly notify the council’s benefit service of changes in circumstances that might affect their entitlement to these benefits. 

The advice follows a successful prosecution on 23 October 2013 where Shropshire Council brought a case under the Social Security Administration Act 1992 against a 42-year-old benefit claimant, Sharon Jones from Church Stretton. 

Ms Jones claimed housing benefit and council tax support, but failed to give prompt notification to Shropshire Council that there had been an increase to her earned income. This meant that between 30 September 2010 and 17 September 2012 she benefited from over £5,200 to which she was not entitled. 

Ms Jones pleaded guilty to the offences, and the Magistrates Court sentenced her to a £100 fine and ordered her to pay £100 costs to Shropshire Council.  Ms Jones will also be liable to pay back the £5,239.50 that she was not entitled to. 

Public protection investigation officers are reminding benefit claimants that they must declare the correct information at the time of their application, and notify any subsequent changes in circumstances at the time they occur to avoid breaches of benefit legislation.  

Frances Darling, service manager for safer and stronger communities within public protection said:

“From this case, there was over £5,200 that had been claimed when the claimant was not entitled to this money; it is simply not acceptable for anyone to do this.  It is the responsibility of people claiming housing benefit and council tax support to declare any income or capital to the council plus any other changes to their circumstances. Where people fail to do this, the council will investigate the matter and will require the money to be repaid.  In addition, we will not hesitate to prosecute where this is appropriate.”

Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member responsible for public protection, added:

“Claimants need to be aware that benefit fraud will not be tolerated in Shropshire.  We have a duty to protect the public purse, and to ensure that those members of our community who genuinely need financial assistance through the benefit system have the help and support they need.  Claimants who obtain benefits that they are not entitled to undermine the efficiency and effectiveness of the welfare benefit system.  I strongly urge all claimants to provide the benefit service with accurate claim information at all times, and to promptly provide any changes to their circumstances that may affect their entitlement to benefits.” 

Shropshire Council encourages individuals and businesses to contact its public protection service on 0345 678 9000 if they have any suspicions that offences may be being committed.  Information can be given anonymously, and will always be treated in line with the council’s information governance policies.

Benefits advice can be obtained from the council’s benefits options team on 01743 258922 or general advice can be found on our website here.