Llangennech woman wrongly claimed benefit

A Llangennech woman has been prosecuted for overclaiming thousands in benefits.

Charlene Lewis of Brynhyfryd, Llangennech, pleaded guilty by post to an offence under Sections 112 of the Social Security and Administration Act 1992. The prosecution was brought by Carmarthenshire County Council.

Carmarthen Magistrates Court was told that 27-year-old Lewis had been awarded Housing and Council Tax Benefit with her partner Leighton John and children. Benefit was awarded from November 2012 on the basis of low family income. In April 2014 a data-matching exercise identified that Mr John was employed by Swansea Truck Centre. Statutory powers were used to obtain details of employment earnings. It was established that Leighton John had commenced employment on April10, 2013. His earnings fluctuated, but were in excess of £350 per week.

Miss Lewis failed to attend for an interview under caution, claiming that she had already informed the council of this employment. There was no record of the employment being declared to the council. The overpayment was £3,657.07 Housing Benefit and £1,224.35 Council Tax Reduction for the period 15 April 2013 to 4 May 2014. These overpayments are recoverable.

The Magistrates fined Lewis £130, and ordered her to pay costs of £180 and a victim surcharge of £20. It must be paid within 28 days.

Council executive board member for resources Cllr Jeff Edmunds said: “The county council wants people who are entitled to Council Tax Benefit and Housing Benefit to claim what they are rightfully entitled to.

“However, we are also determined to crack down on fraudulent claims. These offences take money from the public purse that could otherwise be used for funding essential services. It is taking money from every council tax payer.”

Members of the public can report any suspicion of benefit fraud in the county via the Carmarthenshire County Council Fraud Hotline 0800 – 801116 or via the council website.