Fraudster couple caught by Lib Dem-run Borough Council

6.18.42pm GMT Mon 12th Nov 2007

Cllr Sally Beardsworth has vowed to stop fraudsters stealing from the most vulnerable people in Northampton

On Monday 29 October a husband and wife were found guilty of dishonestly claiming over £15,000 in benefits from Northampton Borough Council they were not entitled to.

After pleading guilty Mr Abdul Munim and Mrs Shelina Munim of Portland Place, Northampton were both sentenced to a 12 month Community Order, 6 month Custodial Sentence (suspended for 12 months), 250 hours of unpaid work, 12 month Supervision Order and £150 in court costs (each). Additionally Mr Munim was also ordered to complete an employment programme. They are both required to repay the overpaid benefits.

The case was brought to Northampton Magistrates Court by the Department for Work and Pensions following an investigation involving officers at Northampton Borough Council and Burnley Borough Council.

For three years the couple had been dishonestly claiming Council Tax Benefit and Job Seekers Allowance. Mrs Munim had failed to declare she owned another property in Burnley which she rented out. Northampton Borough Council fraud officers started an investigation following the work of council tax officers in Burnley who were recovering money owed by the couple on their property in Burnley.

From October 2002 until November 2005 the couple claimed £13,380.84 in Job Seekers Allowance and £1,591.47 in Council Tax Benefit.

Councillor Sally Beardsworth, Northampton Borough Council cabinet member for housing said:

"Benefit fraud is stealing money intended to help the town's most vulnerable residents. This is dishonest and cannot be tolerated.

"Lib Dem-run Northampton Borough Council will continue to take action against anyone who tries to cheat or scam the system to get benefits they aren't entitled to."

If you suspect someone is fraudulently claiming benefits please call the council's confidential benefit fraud hotline on 01604 837320.