On Tuesday 13 June Laura Lincoln, formerly of Hubble Close, pleaded guilty at Oxford Magistrates Court to one count of ‘Failing to Disclose a Change in Circumstances’ contrary to Schedule 8 of the Council Tax Reduction Schemes (Detection of Fraud and Enforcement) Regulations 2013.
Ms Lincoln had failed to declare that her partner was living with her for a period of two and a half years. She received a criminal conviction and was ordered to pay a fine of £200 and costs for the prosecution. She will also have to repay the overpayment.
This led to a Council Tax reduction being wrongly paid to Ms Lincoln of over £2,400. Investigators found that Ms Lincoln and her partner had been living as a family with their three children for this time despite Ms Lincoln making several declarations to the contrary.
Councillor Ed Turner, Board Member for Finance and Asset Management said: “This conviction reiterates Oxford City Council’s zero tolerance approach to fraud. The Council employs a highly-skilled investigation team who work tirelessly to root out fraudulent behaviour and we will prosecute offenders. It is very import residents claim money to which they are entitled, but residents must be honest about their circumstances, or the consequences can be very serious indeed.”
If members of the public suspect dishonesty, we would encourage them to make contact with the City Council phoning 01865 2522222 or by completing an online form
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