Haddenham benefits cheat escapes jail

A benefit claimant who failed to declare cash she had in bank accounts has been ordered to repay the money she fraudulently obtained from Aylesbury Vale District Council.

An investigation by AVDC and the Department for Work and Pensions revealed that Cynthia Green, aged 60, of Franklin Road, Haddenham, held £50,000 of undeclared savings when she made claims for housing and council tax benefits.

Had she declared the savings to the council, her claim would have been cancelled due to the level of capital held. Instead Green continued to claim her benefits without telling the council about the money. As a result, she was found to have claimed £20,199 in housing benefit, £10,433 in income support and £3,470 in council tax benefit to which she was not entitled to. Her total overpayment was £34,104.

Aylesbury Crown Court sentenced Green to a 16-week prison sentence, suspended for 24 months, and ordered her to pay costs of £425 along with an £85 victim surcharge.

Councillor Neil Blake, Leader of the Council, said: “Once again a fraudster who thinks by not telling the council about their true circumstances they will be able to steal from the public purse. But because of joint working between agencies and our ability to cross check data there is no hiding place for people who lie about their circumstances. In this case, as with all others, we will pursue the fraudster to recoup all the money taken illegally.”

Anyone with good reason to suspect that benefit fraud is being committed in Aylesbury Vale can provide details, anonymously if necessary, by calling 01296 585570.