Woman claimed £8,000 in benefits she was not entitled to
A woman who failed to declare when she was getting extra hours in her job in a supermarket claimed more than £8,000 in benefits she wasn't entitled to.
Louise Mitchell, 35, of Lon Rhosod, Newtown, appeared before Welshpool magistrates yesterday and admitted dishonestly failing to declare a change in circumstances with a view to obtaining housing benefit, council tax benefit and other payment or advantage.
Mr Nigel Vaughan, prosecuting for Powys County Council, said that Mitchell, a single parent, first claimed housing and council tax benefits in 2001.
She then began a 16 hour-a-week job at Tesco in Newtown but was still entitled to some benefits.
Powys County Council began an investigation when officers where notified of changes in her tax figures. It was found that she had been working extra hours but had not notified the council.
He said that Mitchell overclaimed £6,210 in housing benefits and £1,974 in other benefits.
Mr Geraint Jones, for Mitchell, said she had found it impossible to keep up with which benefits she was entitled to.
"Her hours would fluctuate week by week," he said.
"It is difficult for people to get it right, notifying the council everytime they work different hours."
Magistrates adjourned the case for reports until September 29.
