Midlands benefits cheats told to pay back more than £15,000

Heeley, aged 25, of Darnford View, Lichfield admitted two charges of dishonestly failing to give prompt notification of a change of circumstances in connection with her claims for income support, housing benefit and council tax benefit.

Cannock Magistrates Court heard that Heeley failed to declare she had a partner living with her.?She was overpaid £9,919.

She was given a 12-month supervision order and must also pay costs of £85.

Meanwhile at Stafford Magistrates Court, 36-year-old Pitt, of Deykin Road in Lichfield, admitted failing to give prompt notification of a change of circumstances in connection with her claim to housing benefit and council tax benefit.

The court heard that she failed to notify Lichfield District Council when she started living with her husband again after previously living apart. Pitt was overpaid £3,464. She was handed a 12-month community order, 50 hours of unpaid work and ordered to pay £450 costs.

Waldron-Perkins, of Laights Farm, Kidderminster was claiming housing benefit for a property he did not even own or rent.

At Cannock Magistrates Court the 41-year-old admitted dishonestly making a false declaration.

The court heard that he made a claim for housing benefit, supported by a tenancy agreement for a property in Sandford Street, Lichfield.

However, the application was later found to be false as Waldron-Perkins had forged the agreement. He was overpaid £1,923. He was given an 18-month community order, 200 hours of unpaid work and ordered to pay costs of £1,350.

Councillor Mike Wilcox, leader of Lichfield District Council, said it was important for people claiming benefits to let the council know straight away if their personal circumstances change.

He said: "If you are claiming benefits or support, it's really important to make sure you report any changes in your circumstances to the correct department straightaway."