Light benefit fraud sentences in Reading

Ardita Kurtaj admitted claiming £5,110 in housing benefit as she failed to declare student grants while studying at Thames Valley University. She was given an 18-month conditional discharge and had to pay costs of £250.

Neriton Hoxha claimed £4,383 in benefits and gave false information about her monthly earnings. Her salary was more than she told the council which meant she was not entitled to as much benefit. She was given a six-month conditional discharge.

Lydia Ackah, from Swindon, claimed a number of benefits before asking the council for housing and council tax help. A tip-off to the council’s anti-fraud unit revealed she had left her Reading property to a relative and bought a house in Swindon. Ackah claimed £3,889 in benefits and was given a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £250 costs.

Whitley woman Ingrid Doctrove falsely claimed £3,664 in benefits, telling the council her only income was from Job Seekers’ Allowance, but council officers later found out she was employed. She was handed an 18-month conditional discharge and instructed to pay £100 in costs.

Janusz Wicinski claimed £3,432 in housing benefit after providing false information about his wife’s employment and income over a four-year period. He was fined £75 and ordered to pay £110 costs.

Horace Graham was given a six-month conditional discharge for claiming Job Seekers’ Allowance, which meant he was automatically entitled to housing and council tax benefit. But he was overpaid £2,085 after he gave false details of the home address he was claiming benefits against. The property was boarded up when council officers visited.

Caversham man Keith Jones gave the council false information about his salary and other benefits he was receiving which would have affected his entitlement to housing and council tax benefits. He was fined £100 and ordered to pay £100 costs.

All seven people admitted falsely claiming benefits and will have to repay the benefits they falsely received.

h/t Dave

• But this is no good. Where's the deterrent? Where's the punishment?
  
  These people do it for the money. So hit them in the pocket. It was money that motivated them, and a financial penalty will help to deter them.
  
  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. Some local authorities think benefit fraud costs each household £80-£100 a year. It's probably nearer £150-£175.