Shropshire benefits cheats prosecuted for taking total of £11,000
Two people from Shropshire have been prosecuted after illegally claiming about £11,000 between them in benefits.
Amanda Edwards, 40, from Ellesmere, and John Rodgers, 57, from Telford, both pleaded guilty to the charges after failing to notify Shropshire Council of changes in their circumstances.
Between December 23, 2009, and October 1, 2012, Edwards benefited from more than £6,000 which she was not entitled to after claiming housing benefit and council tax benefit.
She failed to notify an increase to her working hours and income to Shropshire Council.
Between October 15, 2011, and November 11, 2012, Rodgers benefited from about £5,000 to which he was not entitled after claiming housing benefit. He failed to disclose that he had vacated the claim address.
Both appeared at Shrewsbury Magistrates Court on Friday where Shropshire Council brought the cases under the Social Security Administration Act 1992.
Edwards was conditionally discharged for 12 months and was directed to pay £50 costs.
Rodgers received a community punishment order comprising 120 hours unpaid work, and was directed to pay £100 costs.
In addition to the sentences, the claimants will also be liable to pay back the benefits that they were not entitled to.
