Woman, 36, of Little Wratting near Haverhill, fined after falsely claiming over £4,800 in Council Tax support

A resident who falsely claimed more than £4,800 in Council Tax support by not disclosing that another adult was living with her has been fined.

Tara Tucker, 36, of Shipp Close in Little Wratting, appeared at Cambridge Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, October 15, when she pled guilty to two fraud offences.

She admitted a charge of failure to declare another adult in the household to obtain a Council Tax discount, and another of fraud by false representation, contrary to the Fraud Act 2006.

The court heard Tucker had been in receipt of Council Tax Support and a 25 per cent Single Person Discount since August 3, 2020.

Her fraud amounted to an overpayment of £4,886.39 in Council Tax Support and Single Person Discount paid out between August 3, 2020 and November 20, 2023.

She was prosecuted by Anglia Revenues Partnership on behalf of West Suffolk Council.

The court ordered that she pay a fine of £120, £1,500 towards the prosecution costs and a victim surcharge of £48.

Cllr Diane Hind, cabinet member for resources at West Suffolk Council, said: “We recognise that there are residents who are struggling and assistance is available to them. It is crucial that we continue to prioritise Council Tax Support for residents who truly need it.

“Fraud cases like these are directly against all fellow West Suffolk taxpayers.

“They place an increased strain on public services and risk higher costs for everyone else. Taking these cases to court are a last resort. When it is evident that a claim is fraudulent, we will prosecute so that they serve as a deterrent to others.”

Residents facing financial difficulties should contact Anglia Revenues Partnership to explore the available support options.

Advice and information on the help available can be found at www.angliarevenues.gov.uk/services/moneyadvice/index.cfm