Archived press release

Date Published: 18/07/08

A Haddenham resident has been found guilty of fraudulently claiming more than £5,000 in benefits from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and Aylesbury Vale District Council.

At Aylesbury Magistrates’ Court on 10 July, Rachel Bamford of Stanbridge Road was sentenced to 100 hours community service after pleading guilty to three counts of fraud.

All three offences are contrary to Section 112(1A) of the Social Security Administration Act 1992. Miss Bamford – who had been claiming income support, housing and council tax benefit as a single parent – failed to declare that her partner was living at the same address and was in paid employment.

The court heard that as a result of her actions, Miss Bamford defrauded AVDC £2,160.53 in housing benefit and £1,351.13 in council tax benefit. She was also overpaid £2,002.31 income support by the DWP.

The fraud was discovered after an anonymous tip-off to the AVDC benefit fraud team. In addition to the community service, Miss Bamford was ordered to pay £100 costs.

Councillor John Cartwright, Leader of the Council, said: “This prosecution resulted from a successful joint investigation by the council and the DWP. The council works closely with the DWP to identify and investigate fraud of the benefit system, and this case shows that people who fail to declare their true status will be brought to justice. We will continue to take action against anyone who tries to cheat or scam the system to get benefits they aren’t entitled to.”

Anti-Fraud Minister James Plaskitt said: “DWP, in partnership with local authorities, is taking action against more fraudsters than ever before. Closer working with our partners means that we know where and when people try to commit benefit fraud.”

Anyone wishing to report suspicions of benefit fraud can fill in a form available on the council’s website or call the district council’s 24-hour hotline on 01296 585570 or the National Benefit Fraud Hotline on 0800 854 440 in confidence.