News Centre

08 Oct 2008 (archived)

Witney woman sentenced for benefit fraud

West Oxfordshire District Council and The Department for Work and Pensions have successfully prosecuted a Witney woman for failing to promptly notify relevant changes in her circumstances in order to obtain benefits.

Karen Ferguson, age 27, of Judds Close, Witney was found guilty at Banbury Magistrates Court on 27 August 2008 for fraudulently obtaining Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit and Income Support totalling £8,697.41.

She was sentenced on 6 October 2008 at Witney Magistrates Court and was given an order to undertake 60 hours of unpaid work.

The Council and the Department for Work and Pensions will seek to recover the outstanding amount of Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit and Income Support which has been fraudulently obtained.

Cllr Simon Hoare, Cabinet Member for Finance at West Oxfordshire District Council said, "Anyone making fraudulent claims is committing a crime against honest taxpayers as this money has been set aside for those in genuine need. We have a very dedicated benefit fraud team at the Council who will investigate all cases reported to them in our efforts to clamp down on fraudsters."

You can report suspected benefit fraud online by clicking on the link or contact the Benefit Fraud HOTLINE on 01993 861234. All calls and correspondence are treated in confidence.

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