Woman convicted of benefit fraud

A TYWI Valley woman has been convicted of benefit fraud.

Tracie Michelle Warren appeared at Ammanford Magistrates Court charged with two offences under Section 112 Social Security Administration Act 1992.

She pleaded guilty of failing to declare changes in circumstances, one in relation to housing and council tax benefit and the other for income support.

The prosecution was brought by the Department for Work and Pensions following a joint investigation with Carmarthenshire County Council.

The court was told that Warren had been awarded housing and council tax benefit on the basis that she was resident with her husband and children at a privately rented property and they were in receipt of income support.

However, an investigation carried out by the council and the Department for Work and Pensions revealed that Warren’s husband has been working for the period between June 2009 and August 2010.

As a result, Warren had been overpaid a total of £3,989.21 over a 14 month period; this included rent allowance of £947.44, council tax benefit of £258.80 and £2,782.97 of income support.

During interview Warren made a full admission of failing to declare a change in circumstances; that is that her husband had been working.

The 40-year-old, from Pumsaint, near Llanwrda, was fined £100 for each offence by magistrates and ordered to pay £50 court costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

The council will now pursue recovery of the overpaid benefit.

Speaking after the case, Executive Board Member for Resources Cllr Wyn Evans said: “The council is anxious that as many people as possible claim the housing and council tax benefit that they are rightfully entitled to.

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

Residents can report any suspicions of benefit fraud in the county by calling the council’s fraud hotline 0800 801116 or by visiting www.carmarthenshire.gov.uk