Aylesbury woman guilty of benefit fraud

Archived press release

Date Published: 09/04/09

Sarah Probitts of Alderson Close, Aylesbury was sentenced to an eight-week prison sentence, suspended for one year, and 100 hours of unpaid work, following a successful prosecution for fraud in Aylesbury Magistrates’ Court this week.

The prosecution was brought by the Department for Work and Pensions, in conjunction with Aylesbury Vale District Council, for over claiming council tax benefit, housing benefit and income support. The over payments came about because Ms Probitts failed to declare that she was working, while living at previous addresses.

Totalling just over £16,734, the over payments were for £1,437 council tax benefit, £10,465 housing benefit and income support of £4,830.

Councillor Margaret Morgan-Owen, Cabinet Member for Resources, said: “Once again, this case highlights the need for all claimants to make sure that they inform us about any changes in their circumstances. If you take on a job, you won’t necessarily lose all your benefits – but it’s a serious mistake not to inform the council and other agencies from whom you are claiming. Failing to declare any source of income when claiming benefits is fraud.”

AVDC and the Department for Work and Pensions investigate all types of benefit fraud, both individually and in partnership. They welcome reports of suspected fraud and all calls are treated in confidence – you need not give your name. To report a suspected fraud, call either the National Fraud hotline on 0800 854440, or the council’s fraud investigation team on 01296 585570.