East Suffolk Council
Council tax fraud conviction
East Suffolk Council is re-emphasising the importance of providing correct information for paying council tax after a resident was convicted of fraudulently claiming relief.
Courtney Heslop falsely claimed an entitlement to council tax support at three different addresses in East Suffolk over the course of almost six years.
The 27-year-old also failed to disclose living with another adult while claiming the 25% single person discount on council tax.
She appeared at Suffolk Magistrates’ Court on 7 April to admit dishonestly failing to declare the information when making the claim for support on 28 November 2018 and failing to disclose the change in circumstances while receiving the discount until July last year.
In total, Heslop, of Buxton Way, Halesworth, was overpaid £5,317.28 in council tax support and £2,271.23 in single person discount.
She was handed a 12-month community order and ordered to carry out 80 hours of unpaid work and 15 hours of rehabilitation activity.
East Suffolk Council's resident Fraud Team deals with council tax, housing, business rate and corporate fraud.
Council tax, housing benefit and business rate services are delivered by the Anglia Revenues Partnership, which has its own dedicated investigation team to prevent and detect any fraudulent claims.
Councillor Vince Langdon-Morris, East Suffolk Council cabinet member for Resources and Value for Money, said:
“Council tax is the main source of financing for essential local services – and it is vital that we protect public funds from misuse.
“Some properties are eligible for discounts, and people may apply for council tax support depending on their circumstances but is important that any changes in circumstances are reported to the council tax team as soon as possible.
“All reports of fraud are taken seriously and may result in prosecution.”
Suspected fraud can be reported by calling 0800 515 368 or emailing reportingfraud@angliarevenues.gov.uk, and to the East Suffolk Council Fraud Team on 01394 444444 or 01394 444456, or by emailing fraud@eastsuffolk.gov.uk.