A 60-year-old Chippenham woman has been prosecuted by Wiltshire Council for benefit fraud.

Carol Ellis of Buckingham Road, Chippenham appeared at Chippenham Magistrates Court on Monday, August 24. She pleaded guilty to five charges under the Social Security Administration Act 1992 after failing to declare all her capital to the council. This resulted in an overpayment of £2,501 in Council Tax Benefit.

She had been claiming council tax since January 2000 and her entitlement was based on declarations made to the council. However Mrs Ellis failed to inform the council about two of her bank accounts and when asked about these accounts she failed to provide accurate details about when the accounts had been opened and the full amount of capital they contained. It was found that a total of £39,000 was deposited in these accounts.

Mrs Ellis was fined £100 with £510.45 costs and £15 victims’ surcharge and has now paid back the overpayment.

Wiltshire Council is keen to stamp out benefit fraud and will take action against those found to be cheating the system.

If a member of the public suspects benefit fraud is being committed, they can call Wiltshire Council’s confidential hotline 01249 706256 or the National Fraud Hotline on 0800 854440. Benefit fraud can also be reported on the council’s website, www.wiltshire.gov.uk/benefitfraud.