Supervision order for benefit fraud

A Gilberdyke woman has been handed a 12-month supervision order after fraudulently claiming over £5,500 in benefits.
Sophia Stephenson, 22, of Victoria Drive, Gilberdyke, appeared at Leeds Magistrates Court on Monday, January 11, 2016, after pleading guilty to dishonestly failing to give a prompt notification of a change in circumstances, affecting her entitlement to housing benefit and income support.
The case was brought to court following an investigation by East Riding of Yorkshire Council (ERYC) and the Department for Work and Pensions, who discovered that Stephenson had been living with her partner since September 2014.
Stephenson was given a 12-month supervision order and was ordered to carry out 80 hours of unpaid work. In addition, she also has to repay the £5,564.55 she fraudulently claimed between September 2014 and May 2015.
Andy Hardy, fraud investigation manager at ERYC, said: “The council has a zero tolerance approach to fraudulent activity and is committed to ensuring benefit is paid to those who are rightfully entitled to it.”
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 benefit.fraud@eastriding.gov.uk