Conditional discharge for Howden benefit cheat

A Howden woman has been given a conditional discharge after fraudulently claiming over £2,000 of housing benefit.

Emma Broadhead, 29, of Ingswood Court, Howden, appeared at Beverley Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, February 3, 2016 where she pleaded guilty to failing to declare a change in her circumstances in order to claim housing benefit that she was not entitled to.

The case was brought to court by East Riding of Yorkshire Council (ERYC) following their investigations revealed she had claimed housing benefit between November 1, 2013 and December 14, 2014 despite the fact she had been in work.

Broadhead was given a 12 month conditional discharge, ordered to pay costs of £470 and a victim surcharge of 315. She will also have to repay the £2,264.85 that she fraudulently claimed.

Andy Hardy, fraud investigation manager at ERYC, said: “Council tax support and housing benefit fraud of any sort is quite simply wrong and will not be tolerated by the council.

“This prosecution, and others like it, makes it crystal clear that we will take robust action to protect our communities from those who cheat the system at the expense of the honest tax payer.”

Anyone who suspects benefit fraud in the East Riding can call the 24-hour benefit fraud hotline, in confidence, on (01482) 394949, text 07786 200850 or email bfraud@eastriding.gcsx.gov.uk