Clowne woman guilty of fraud

A CLOWNE woman who claimed over £5,000 in benefits she was not entitled to has been successfully prosecuted by Bolsover District Council and the Department for Work and Pensions.

Following the joint investigation, Helen Read, 35, of Rhodes Cottages, Clowne, appeared at North East Derbyshire and Dales Magistrates Court on 3rd May 2012. She had earlier pleaded guilty to failing to declare she was working at a care home from May 2010 whilst claiming Income Support and Council Tax Benefit, in breach of Section 112 (1A) of The Social Security Administration Act 1992. 

The total amount of benefits overpaid to Helen Read between 28th May 2010 and 21st November 2011 amounted to just over £5,000. 

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Bolsover Council’s Cabinet Member for Corporate Resources Coun Duncan McGregor said: “£5,000 is a lot of money - money that could actually go to help those who need it and not someone who is in work . I am still astounded that people think they can get away with this type of behaviour. But be warned - our investigators are working closely with the DWP and we will catch and take action against anyone found to be claiming money illegally.”

Read received a Community Order requiring her to complete 140 hours unpaid work and was ordered to repay costs of £100 at £5 per week. She will also have to repay all the benefits she was not entitled to.

If you know of anyone who you suspect is committing benefit fraud you can call 01246 242444.