Suspended jail term for benefit cheat

Susan Webber, 57, of Fairfield Road, fraudulently claimed almost £20,000 over two years by failing to declare she had been living with her partner, Paul Matthews.

As well as being ordered to repay every penny of the £19,208.98 she falsely claimed in housing and council tax benefits and income support, Webber was handed a three-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, and must observe a three-month curfew.

Andy Hardy, fraud investigation and enforcement manager at East Riding Council, said: “Anyone who receives housing benefit or council tax benefit from the council has a duty to tell the authority if their circumstances change. If they fail to do so then they run the risk of being prosecuted.”

Anyone who suspects benefit fraud is being committed in the East Riding can call the 24-hour benefit fraud hotline in confidence on (01482) 394949, or text 07786 200 850.

Information can also be sent by email to [email protected].