Ernie Clark. Hilperton Division, Wiltshire Council.

'Benefit fraudster' is just a polite phrase for 'common thief'.

A woman from north Wiltshire pleaded guilty to claiming more than £5,000 in benefits she was not entitled to at Chippenham Magistrates Court last week (July 29).

Sarah Howe, 38 of Ashton Keynes, failed to notify the council she had stopped claiming Job Seekers Allowance and had returned to work. As a result, she continued to receive housing and council tax benefit to which she was no longer entitled.

An investigation showed Ms Howe stopped receiving Job Seekers Allowance on September 1, 2009, as she had found work. She did not declare this to the council and continued to receive full housing and council tax benefit after this date.

This meant she was overpaid £4730.58 of housing benefit from September 7, 2009 to June 20, 2010 and a council tax benefit overpayment of £568.04 from September 7, 2009 to June 16, 2010. A total of £5298.62.

She was given a conditional discharge for 12 months and ordered to pay costs of £290, a collection order and money supervision order was also imposed. She has been paying the money back to the council.

If anyone is receiving help with their rent or council tax, it is always their responsibility to tell the benefits service at Wiltshire Council of any changes in circumstances. People may be entitled to more or less benefit, but by informing the council at the earliest opportunity it can avoid any unwanted debts. If people need help or advice the benefits service will be happy to discuss their claim. People should contact the following number to report any changes: Benefits Trowbridge - 01225 770341.

The council is very keen to stamp out benefit fraud and will take action against those found to be cheating the system. If anyone has any information which can help catch a benefit cheat, they should call Wiltshire Council’s confidential hotline on 01249 706256. Benefit fraud can also be reported on the council’s website www.wiltshire.gov.uk/benefitfraud. People do not have to give their name and they can be assured of complete confidentiality at all times.