06/03/2025: Council tax fraudster fined by Court

A fraudster who falsely claimed around £10,000 in benefits has been found guilty by Norwich Magistrates Court and ordered to repay the money plus a fine. 

The resident, who resides in Thetford, continued to receive low-income support after failing to declare her employment to the council. She also didn't disclose that she held capital above the limit and received rental income from an undeclared second property. This resulted in an overpayment of £9,476.36 in Council Tax Support from Breckland Council. 

The council, through its Anglia Revenues Partnership (ARP), which delivers Revenues and Benefits Services for five partner local authorities in East Anglia, sought to prosecute the case and claim back the public money. 

The resident pleaded guilty and was sentenced to a fine of £1,666 while appearing at Norwich Magistrates Court on 6 February 2025. She has also entered a repayment agreement, which will see her repay the total overpayment, plus the £3,286.50 cost of the investigation and a Statutory Victim Surcharge of £666. 

Cllr Phil Cowen, Executive Member for Finance, Revenues and Benefits, said: "I am pleased that ARP has successfully prosecuted another case of benefit fraud in our district. The team at ARP works diligently to pursue incidences of benefits fraud to bring fraudsters to justice and deter others from doing the same. Benefit fraud harms those most in need, as it diverts public funds away from individuals making genuine claims for support. I hope this result discourages anyone else from making a false claim and reassures our residents that Breckland and ARP are doing everything we can to ensure that people do not get away with claiming benefits fraudulently."  

There is a range of support on offer for those experiencing genuine financial hardship that impacts their ability to pay council tax, such as the Single Person Discount. Find out more. (opens new window)