A Nuneaton woman was recently sentenced to four months imprisonment by a Judge at Warwick Crown Court for benefit fraud against Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council.

 

Mr Recorder Berlin said “this was a serious case of dishonest, deliberate fraud”.

 

Selina Rose Miller, of Leicester Road, Nuneaton, faced the bench after pleading guilty to charges of dishonestly making false statements in order to receive Housing and Council Tax benefit.  She claimed both benefits for several years, but failed to report that she was actually working.  The Judge took into account her previous good character, but said the amount of overpayment clearly crossed the custodial boundary.  The overpayment amounted to over £24,500.  He said “The public purse cannot be plundered in this way”.

 

Alan Davies, Corporate Services Director said,

 

“Once again this case demonstrated that we will strive to ensure that only those who are entitled will receive public funds.  Whilst genuine claimants have nothing to fear we will pursue those who cheat the system and will prosecute when appropriate”.

 

The Council has a team of Counter Fraud Investigators dedicated to the identification, investigation and prevention of fraud and in addition to the prosecution work over £250,000 in benefit that has been fraudulently obtained has been identified and its recovery is being vigorously pursued.

 

Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council have a free confidential Benefit Fraud Hotline which members of the public can use 24 hours a day to report benefit fraud.  The number 0800 389 3537.  The National Benefit Fraud Hotline can also be called free on 0800 854 440 (7.00am – 11.00pm) or visit www.targetingbenefitfraud.gov.uk.