A resident who fraudulently claimed more than £4,100 in Council Tax support has been fined.
Elizabeth McCormick, 42, of Amis Court in Lakenheath, appeared at Suffolk Magistrates’ Court on Monday, when she pled guilty to the fraud offence.
She admitted a charge of failure to declare that she was in receipt of income from paid employment.
Suffolk Magistrates’ Court. Picture: Mark Westley
Her fraud amounted to an overpayment of £4,116.55 in Council Tax support and was prosecuted by Anglia Revenues Partnership on behalf of West Suffolk Council.
The court ordered she pay a fine of £80, £719 towards the prosecution costs and a victim surcharge of £32.
Cllr Diane Hind, cabinet member for resources at West Suffolk Council, said: “We understand that there are residents who are struggling and support is available to help them.
“It remains essential to prioritise Council Tax support for those who genuinely need it.
“Fraudulent cases like these are directly against all taxpayers in West Suffolk as they add unnecessary pressure on public services, leading to increased costs for everyone else.
“While prosecution is always a last resort, when evidence of fraud is clear, we will take action and prosecute to ensure accountability and deter others from similar actions.”