Council cracks down on benefit fraud

Marianne McDonough of Musbury Street, E1, was convicted at Snaresbrook Crown Court on 13th May for failing to declare that she had been working for almost five years while claiming benefits.

Ms McDonough was sentenced to 20 weeks imprisonment, which was suspended for 18 months, and must now complete 200 hours of unpaid work. She was also given an £80 fine.

Ms McDonough’s case was referred to the council by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) after she claimed: £22,867.99 in Housing Benefit from 07.07.08-17.02.13; £3,547.38 of Council Tax Benefit from 07.07.08-08.03.13; and £8,167.87 of Income Support from 01.07.08-27.04.12.

Tower Hamlets Benefits Service is committed to protecting public money and has a team dedicated to tackling housing benefit and council tax benefit fraud. The investigations team works closely with other agencies to clamp down on benefit fraud.

•Anyone wanting to report a suspected benefit fraud should call 020-7364 7427 or email benefits@towerhamlets.gov.uk.