Suffolk woman sentenced after fraudulently claiming over £7,000 in council tax relief
The woman was overpaid £5,317.28 in council tax support and £2,271.23 in single person discount
East Suffolk Council is re-emphasising the importance of providing correct information for paying council tax after a resident was convicted of fraudulently claiming relief.
Courtney Heslop falsely claimed an entitlement to council tax support at three different addresses in East Suffolk over the course of almost six years.
The 27-year-old also failed to disclose living with another adult while claiming the 25% single person discount on council tax.
She appeared at Suffolk Magistrates’ Court on 7 April to admit dishonestly failing to declare the information when making the claim for support on 28 November 2018 and failing to disclose the change in circumstances while receiving the discount until July last year.
In total, Heslop, of Buxton Way, Halesworth, was overpaid £5,317.28 in council tax support and £2,271.23 in single person discount.
She was handed a 12-month community order and ordered to carry out 80 hours of unpaid work and 15 hours of rehabilitation activity.
Councillor Vince Langdon-Morris, East Suffolk Council cabinet member for Resources and Value for Money, said: “Council tax is the main source of financing for essential local services – and it is vital that we protect public funds from misuse.
Some properties are eligible for discounts, and people may apply for council tax support depending on their circumstances but is important that any changes in circumstances are reported to the council tax team as soon as possible.
All reports of fraud are taken seriously and may result in prosecution.”