Press Release

Northampton woman guilty of benefit fraud

18/04/08

On Thursday 17 April a Northampton woman was found guilty of dishonestly claiming over £7,500 in benefits she was not entitled to.

After pleading guilty Lesley Edwards (aged 35) of Forskitt Court, Northampton was sentenced to a Community Order with a Supervision Requirement of 12 months. She must also repay the overpaid benefits.

The case was brought to Northampton Magistrates Court by Northampton Borough Council's benefit fraud team following an investigation involving officers at the borough council and Department for Work and Pensions.

Mrs Edwards had been entitled to claim Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit, however when her employment status changed she failed to notify the borough council about her change of circumstances. She continued to dishonestly claim benefits for two years.

Officers in the borough council's benefit fraud team started an investigation following a referral from the Department for Work and Pensions. The council's fraud team found that Mrs Edwards was in receipt of income at the same time she was claiming benefits. Mrs Edwards was interviewed under caution and admitted that she had failed to declare the change in her circumstances.

From November 2005 until September 2007 Mrs Edwards claimed £6,449.13 in Housing Benefits, and £1,162.47.18 in Council Tax Benefit.

Councillor Sally Beardsworth, Northampton Borough Council cabinet member for housing said: "Benefit fraud is stealing money intended to help the town's most vulnerable residents. This is dishonest and cannot be tolerated. Northampton Borough Council will continue to take action against anyone who tries to cheat or scam the system to get benefits they aren't entitled to."

If you suspect someone is fraudulently claiming benefits please call the council's confidential benefit fraud hotline on 01604 837320.