Pensioner made false claims despite inheritance

A Blaby pensioner who had almost £40,000 stashed away in savings has been heavily fined for dishonestly claiming benefits.

Carole Coleman [63], of Hawthorn Drive, Blaby, admitted three counts of making dishonest representations to obtain Council Tax Benefit when she appeared before Leicester Magistrates on 7th November 2007.  Mrs Colman fraudulently claimed £1,213.65 in Council Tax Benefit from Blaby District Council between May 2004 and February 2007.

The court heard how she had received a £65,000 inheritance in February 2004.  Nevertheless she hid this account and declared only £7,000 savings when claiming benefits just 3 months later.  Mrs Coleman told the court she had given £20,000 to her sons and spent the rest over the last 3 years refurbishing her property and landscaping her garden.

Sentencing magistrates said “You have over three to four years taken a large amount of money.  You can not take other peoples money; they have paid for your new windows, sofa and garden.”   
She was fined a total of £1,000 and told to pay the council's costs of £828.77.  She will also have to repay the £1,213.65 overpaid benefit in full.

Councillor Ernie White, Leader of the Council said
“I fully support the decision of the court.  There is never any excuse for stealing public money.  Blaby District Council will continue to identify and prosecute anyone who makes false claims for benefit.”
“

Note to Editors:
Mrs Coleman was identified by HBMS data matching with HMRC records, which highlighted gross interest earned from savings held in an undeclared account.  Using powers under the Social Security Fraud Act 2001, it was revealed that she had held £39.322.60 when she initiated her claims for benefit.  Benefit is not payable where £16,000 or more savings and investments are held.