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Leyland benefit cheats caught out
Two benefit cheats from Leyland have been forced to pay back more than £7,000 after falsely claiming the money.
Kirsty Stafford, 34, of Welsby Road, swindled taxpayers out of more than 4,500 after failing to tell the authorities she was living with her partner.
Between 2005 and 2009, Miss Stafford claimed 4,432 housing benefit and 155 council tax benefit which she wasn't entitled to.
She also had a single person discount on council tax adding up to 1,224.
In 2006, Miss Stafford made a statement claiming she lived with only her daughter, although she was also living with her partner.
Miss Stafford pleaded guilty to the four offences when she appeared at Leyland Magistrates in August.
She was sentenced to 60 hours community service and must pay 75 costs, as well as repaying all the benefits she fraudulently claimed.
In a separate case, Cheryl Rodgers, 42, of Collins Road, Bamber Bridge, fraudulently claimed 1,099.54 housing benefit, 220.40 council tax benefit and 1,179.83 income support after failing to inform South Ribble Council and the Department for Work and Pensions that she had married Daniel Rodgers.
She pleaded guilty to three counts of benefit fraud and was sentenced to a 12-month conditional discharge and was ordered to pay 75 costs. She must also repay all the benefit she fraudulently claimed.
Coun Margaret Smith, leader of South Ribble Council, said: "Benefit fraud is a serious matter. It takes resources away from genuine claimants and every penny of taxpayers' money illegally claimed could be spent on vital services.
"If you suspect your claim is incorrect, don't hesitate to contact our staff who will be happy to help.
"We are working closely with our partners and use the latest investigative techniques to expose and tackle fraud. This is another example of our efforts paying off. Benefits cheats should consider themselves warned, we will find and prosecute you.
"We are also keen to ensure that everyone who is rightfully entitled to benefits knows how to claim them, however. If you think you may be eligible to receive housing benefit or council tax benefit you should call us for advice on 01772 625518."
Call the council's free fraud hotline on 0800 056 56 03 or speak to an investigation officer on 01772 625254. All calls are treated in confidence.
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Thursday 24 May 2012
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