Benefit fraudster’s claims led to civil partnership discovery

A Radcliffe woman was caught falsely claiming Housing and Council Tax Benefit after giving false details to Bury Council about her employment.

Kelly Winnard (aged 38) told the council that she had started a job in October 2012. However, evidence of her pay aroused suspicion and investigators found that the start date was false, as she had in fact been working there for several months.

While looking at her claim, they discovered Winnard lived with her partner and the pair had entered into a Civil Partnership in November 2010. Winnard had failed to inform the council that her partner, who was in work, had been living with her at Gingham Park in Radcliffe since at least late 2010.

She was charged with providing a false start date for her employment and failing to report a change in her circumstances in respect of her partner moving in. She had over-claimed a total of £4,899 and will be required to repay the money.

At Bury Magistrates Court on Tuesday (4 February 2014), Winnard was sentenced to a 12-month Community Order to carry out 130 hours of unpaid work and required to pay costs totalling £775.70.

ENDS

Press release issued: 11 February 2014.