She pleaded guilty to claiming housing benefit, council tax benefit and income support on the understanding she was unemployed. However, she had actually worked for two employers during the period of her claim.
She had conned the council out of £1,913.76 housing benefit, £403.64 council tax benefit and £1,632.87 income support.
Ms Chahid received a two-year conditional discharge. She was also ordered to pay back in full the amount claimed fraudulently.
- People convicted of benefit fraud who don't receive a custodial sentence should have to do unpaid work.
Benefit thieves should also have to repay twice what they've stolen, and should not be eligible for any further benefits – including tax credits - until they have. A confiscation order should be automatic and immediate.
If you don't punish people who are convicted of an easy crime, the offence will continue to look attractive.
Theresa May, please note. Taxpayers lose £2bn+ a year to benefit fraud.
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