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Nuneaton & Bedworth Borough Council,
Town Hall, Coton Road,
Nuneaton, Warwickshire,
CV11 5AA
Town Hall, Coton Road,
Nuneaton, Warwickshire,
CV11 5AA
Tel: 024 7637 6376
Nuneaton Woman Jailed for Benefit Fraud
Magistrates in Nuneaton signalled their intent to take the issue of Benefit Fraud seriously by sentencing a Nuneaton woman to 6 months custody to begin immediately.
Julie Harris, 36 years, a mother of two, of Lime Grove, Nuneaton had pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to dishonestly failing to notify both the Council and the Department for Works and Pensions that she married in 2003. She had been living with the man since 2001 and had falsely received some £40,000 in state benefits including Housing and Council Tax Benefit.
The leader of the Council, Councillor Dennis Harvey said,
‘This case demonstrates the very serious consequences if people fail to declare their true circumstances to the council. We want people to receive the benefits they are entitled to but I must stress the importance of letting the council know all facts relating to their claims’
Alan Davies, Corporate Services Director said,
‘Once again this case demonstrates that in partnership with other agencies 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 it’s 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 is 0800 389 3537. The National Benefit Fraud Hotline can also be called free on 0800 854 440 (7.00 am – 11.00 pm) or visit www.targetingbenefitfraud.gov.uk.
