A Cheshunt resident has been convicted of fraudulently claiming Council Tax Reduction following a successful investigation undertaken by Hertfordshire County Council’s Shared Anti-Fraud Service, of which Broxbourne Council is a partner.
Leeann Rogers (32) moved into Perrysfield Close, Cheshunt, in January 2016 and declared this move as a ‘change in circumstances’ to her existing claim to benefits. She provided a tenancy agreement stating that she was renting the property from a private landlord and that she lived alone with her two children. Her Council Tax Reduction was assessed based on the fact that her only income was from welfare benefits.
Following receipt of an anonymous allegation stating that Rogers was living with an undeclared partner, an investigation was launched. Enquiries conducted by Hertfordshire’s Shared Anti-Fraud Service found that Rogers was in a relationship with her declared landlord, who was also the owner of the property prior to her moving into the address with him.
There was evidence that he was in full time work and that the couple shared financial arrangements and took holidays together. During an interview under caution, she denied any wrong doing stating that she and her landlord were not in a relationship and he did not live with her.
Rogers was summons to appear at Stevenage Magistrates’ Court on 6 April 2018 to face one charge of failing to notify changes that may have an effect on her claim to Council Tax, an offence under the Council Tax Reduction Regulations 2013.
The court heard how Rogers had provided a false tenancy agreement and false information in order to claim Council Tax Benefit totalling £2,066 over a period of 19 months which she was not entitled to.
Rogers, who pleaded guilty at the first opportunity, was fined £200 and ordered to pay £500 costs in addition to £30 victim surcharge. She will also have to repay the debt to Broxbourne Council.
In 2016/2017 the Shared Anti-Fraud Service convicted a number of individuals across Hertfordshire for a range of offences including Housing, Blue Badge, Council Tax Support and Single Person Discount Fraud.
Residents can report suspected fraud in the strictest of confidence. For more information, and to report any concerns, they can visit: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/spotfraud, email fraud.team@hertscc.gcsx.gov.uk or call 0300 123 4033.