Benefit cheat falsely claimed £21,000

A former Carr Vale woman has been given a four-week prison sentence suspended for 12-months after illegally claiming £21,000 in benefits and tax credit as a lone parent.
Chesterfield magistrates' court.Chesterfield magistrates' court.
Chesterfield magistrates' court.

Chesterfield magistrates’ court heard this month how Linzy Greaves, 25, formerly of Sutton Hall Road, Carr Vale, pleaded guilty to failing to declare a change in circumstances after her children had been taken into care.

In addition to the suspended prison sentence, Greaves was also ordered to comply with a 12-week curfew between 8pm and 7am which will be monitored electronically.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Greaves was also ordered to pay legal costs of £100 and a victim surcharge of £80.

A joint investigation by Bolsover District Council and The Department for Work and Pensions found Greaves claimed income support, housing benefit and tax credits as a lone parent between April, 2010, to April, 2013, while in fact her children had been taken into care and she did not declare this.

She was sentenced for dishonestly failing to declare a change in circumstances contrary to Section 111A (1A) of the Social Security Administration Act 1992 and Section 35 of The Tax Credits Act 2002.

Greaves will also have to repay the amounts she has falsely claimed, according to Bolsover District Council.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Those who suspect anyone of committing benefit fraud are urged to contact the council on (01246) 242444. They can also email [email protected] or report any possible fraud to the DWP hotline number 0845 608 8521.

Related topics: