Woman prosecuted for council tax fraud

BARNSLEY Council has prosecuted a local woman for council tax fraud.

Jill Lawson from Wilson Street, Wombwell, pleaded guilty at Barnsley Magistrates Court to committing fraud for falsely claiming a single person council tax discount of £1,676.24 - even though she was living with her partner.

Lawson was given a conditional discharge for 12 months, and ordered her to pay a contribution of £150 towards prosecution costs.

Cabinet spokesman for Corporate Services, Coun Robin Franklin, said: “Barnsley Council is committed to minimising, identifying and dealing with instances of theft, fraud and irregularity.

"Council tax fraud deprives the council of funding used to support the whole community and this case demonstrates the council will not tolerate this type of abuse and will pursue prosecutions where appropriate.”