Nearly 200 benefit fraud claims probed

INVESTIGATORS examined nearly 200 alleged cases of benefit fraud across Richmondshire last year, uncovering scams which cost the taxpayer tens of thousands of pounds.

New figures show Richmondshire District Council received 230 allegations of benefit fraud last year – 191 of which were fully investigated – resulting in 18 sanctions being accepted by claimants.

The most prolific offenders were three Richmondshire women who ended up in court after claiming almost £10,000 in benefits to which they were not entitled.

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The cases were part of £50,586 of overpayments identified by the housing and council tax benefits team.

As well as the three cases which ended up in court, the council’s investigations led to six formal cautions being accepted and nine administrative penalties given – resulting in nearly £3,500 being paid to the local authority.

Assistant director of the council Simon Fletcher said: “Richmondshire District Council is determined to crack down on benefit fraud and will continue to protect the public purse by identifying claims which have been made incorrectly or fraudulently.”