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News

Benefit Cheats Beware!

Benefit fraud will not be tolerated and people who attempt to cheat the system at the expense of honest taxpayers in Poole risk stiff penalties - and a possible prison sentence.

This is the message from Borough of Poole, after its successful prosecution of a woman who fraudulently claimed more than £20,000 in benefits.

An investigation by Benefit Fraud Officers at Borough of Poole led to Kathleen Underwood receiving a six months suspended prison sentence and an order to carry out 120 hours of community service from Bournemouth Crown Court.

Ms Underwood pleaded guilty to fraudulently obtaining £20,767.68 in Housing and Council Tax benefit during the period October 1997 to June 2005.

During this period, Ms Underwood made applications to the Council for Housing and Council Tax Benefit relating to 30 Thorncombe Close, Poole, a private rented property owned by a registered social landlord.
 
In January 2005, Borough of Poole received information that Ms Underwood was not living at 30 Thorncombe Close. The Council subsequently received evidence of separate court proceedings brought by Mrs Underwood, indicating that she lived at an address in Bournemouth.

The successful prosecution underlines Borough of Poole’s commitment to tackling benefit fraud and the continued improvement of its Benefit Service.

Cllr Brian Leverett, Leader of the Council, said: “Individuals who make fraudulent claims in Poole should be aware that they will be pursued and prosecuted - there is no hiding place. Benefit fraud is not a victimless crime. The Council sees it as theft from honest taxpayers in Poole. However, we do not wish to frighten away those people who make legitimate claims to which they are correctly entitled.”
Borough of Poole has adopted an Anti-Fraud Policy to deal with issues in relation to Social Security benefits administered by the Council.

It operates a free and confidential telephone hotline in support of its Benefit Service. If you suspect someone may be committing benefit fraud, contact Borough of Poole on 0800 0963596.

Ian Turner, Communications, Borough of Poole on Tel: 01202 633295