Ernie Clark. Hilperton Division, Wiltshire Council.

Pure ans simple, benefit fraud is theft.

A Trowbridge woman has been ordered to pay more than £3,000 back after being found guilty of benefit fraud.

Kerry Deeks of Oxford Gardens, pleaded guilty at Chippenham Magistrates Court on June 19 2012 to giving a false declaration when signing a benefit application form, and also failing to declare a change in circumstances when she started work.

All income must be declared to enable a correct assessment of entitlement for Housing Benefit and Council Tax benefit, and Wiltshire Council must be notified of any changes to circumstances after the form is signed for re-assessment.

Mrs Deeks completed an application form on November 29 2010 and failed then to declare a pension which is payable to her husband, Christopher Deeks . On December 3 2010 she started employment with Next Plc in Trowbridge, and on May 21 2011 she started a second job at the Red Admiral Pub in Hilperton. The council was not notified of either of these jobs.

This resulted in an overpayment of £3,006.24 Housing Benefit and £345.50 Council Tax Benefit for the period December 6 2010 through to June 27 2011.

The court gave her a Community Penalty over 12 months, which include 120 hours unpaid work. She was also ordered to repay all money and £300 in costs.

It is always the responsibility of the person claiming benefit to tell the council of any changes in circumstances which may affect their entitlement. If there is any doubt, then the revenues and benefits team will be happy to discuss any issues. Contact 0300 456 0110 to report any changes in circumstances or ask for advice.

The council is very keen to stamp out benefit fraud and will take action against those found to be cheating the system. If you have any information that can help catch a benefit cheat, call Wiltshire Council’s confidential hotline on 01249 706256 or the National Fraud Hotline on 0800 854440. Benefit fraud can also be reported on the council’s website www.wiltshire.gov.uk/benefitfraud