Woman unlawfully obtained £9,800 in benefits - 07/11/06

 

A Barry Island woman, who admitted obtaining nearly £10,000 in benefits to which she was not entitled, has been given a 12-month conditional discharge by magistrates at Barry.

 

Margaret Davies, of Phyllis Street, who was ordered to pay Vale of Glamorgan Council costs of £325.02, received an overpayment of £9,857.43 in Housing and Council Tax benefits which, the court heard, had been repaid in full.

 

The Council launched an investigation after a data match indicated Mrs Davies had undeclared capital.

 

The failure of the defendant to notify the Council of changes to her situation resulted in her receiving the benefits to which she was not entitled.

 

A Council fraud hotline number, which is free and confidential, is available on 0800 731 2525.