Warminster woman guilty of benefit fraud

A Warminster woman has been ordered to pay back thousands of pounds that she claimed under Wiltshire Council. 

Joanne Craft, 31, of Minster View, Warminster pleaded guilty on Tuesday at Chippenham Magistrates court after falsely claiming more than £2,650.95.

In July 2010, Mrs Craft received housing and council tax benefit at her previous address. She notified the council that she had moved and gave her new address in December 2010 and claimed this was the only change to her circumstances. 

However, through checks it was found Mrs Craft was employed and started work November, 12, 2010.

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A payment of £2258.49 was paid to Mrs Craft in housing benefit and £392.46 in council tax benefits.

Wiltshire Council is advising people to notify them about any change in circumstances that may affect receiving benefits.

To report possible benefit fraud Wiltshire Council have set up a confidential hotline: 01249 706256 or fraud can be reported on the Wilshire Council website at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/benefitfraud.