A local woman who falsely claimed more than £4,000 in housing benefit has been ordered to pay it back or face prison.

Elaine Garner, 41, pleaded guilty at Brentford Magistrates’ Court to three charges of failing to notify Hounslow Council of a change in her circumstances, which affected her right to claim housing benefit.

Robert Della-Sala, Head of Hounslow’s Revenues and Benefits Service, said “This case sends out a very clear message. If you attempt to claim money from the local authority that you’re not entitled too, we will find you and we will prosecute you. If you commit benefit fraud, you are a criminal, and will be made to pay back every penny.”

Elaine Garner was caught after the Council’s Fraud Team learned she had stopped claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance after finding work, however she continued claiming Housing Benefit.

Investigators organised three separate interviewing opportunities for Garner, which would have allowed her to explain any mitigating circumstances. She failed to attend on each occasion and was personally presented with a court summons at her workplace.

At Brentford Magistrates Court, Garner admitted three offences under the Social Security Administration Act 1992. She was sentenced to complete 150 hours of unpaid community work and pay £275 in prosecution costs.

In addition, she must repay £4,078.93 to Hounslow Council, the amount in benefit she falsely claimed. Failure to comply with this court order could result in her re-appearance and the possibility of a harder sentence, including custody.

April 3, 2006