Sherburn woman’s £6,800 benefit fraud (From Gazette & Herald)

Jane Cawood admits £6,800 benefit fraud

9:13am Wednesday 16th January 2013 in News

A RYEDALE woman has been prosecuted for a £6,800 benefit fraud.

Jane Cawood, 56, of West Garth, Sherburn, claimed housing and council tax benefit on the basis of being a single person. But an investigation by Veritau audit service for Ryedale District Council found her husband had lived with her since September 2009 and worked for much of that time, meaning she was not entitled to the money.

The council said Cawood denied the allegations throughout the investigation, which was sparked by an anonymous tip-off. It found she was overpaid £5,562 in housing benefit, £1,260 in council tax benefit and £147 in income support.

However, she admitted all charges at Scarborough Magistrates Court and was sentenced to 100 hours of community service and ordered to pay £300 costs.

Angela Jones, the council’s business support manager, said: “This sends a clear message that the council takes fraud very seriously and people should know they run the risk of being prosecuted if they are not honest about their circumstances.”