A Letchworth GC woman has been ordered to pay over �2,500 after claiming housing and council tax benefits she was not entitled to Deborah Swale of Ridge Avenue, Letchworth GC, pleaded guilty before Stevenage Magistrates Court this week after failing to no

A Letchworth GC woman has been ordered to pay over �2,500 after claiming housing and council tax benefits she was not entitled to

Deborah Swale of Ridge Avenue, Letchworth GC, pleaded guilty before Stevenage Magistrates Court this week after failing to notify North Herts District Council (NHDC) of a change in her circumstances which meant she had over-claimed benefits.

Miss Swale was a given a fine of �280 together with a �15 victim surcharge. A further amount of �624.47 in respect of the Legal costs incurred was also awarded to the council.

Miss Swale will also have to repay the overpaid benefits in the sum of �1,638.55. The case was brought by NHDC's advocate Yvette Roberts

Cllr Terry Hone, NHDC's portfolio holder for finance, said: "We take benefit fraud extremely seriously, and this case should serve as a warning that North Herts District Council will always act promptly to catch and prosecute offenders.

"Don't be tempted to keep quiet if your circumstances change. It simply isn't worth it.