Former Barry woman fined over housing benefit (From Barry And District News)

Former Barry woman fined over housing benefit

12:20pm Monday 8th February 2010

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A FORMER Barry woman has been ordered to pay more than £200 after admitting unlawfully obtaining housing benefit.

In a case brought by the Vale Council before magistrates at Barry, Sarah Fiona Rowe-Hillier, aged 40 and now of Carmarthen, admitted obtaining £2,346.

She was fined £100 and ordered to pay £100 prosecution costs and a £15 victim surcharge at the rate of £40 per month. The over payment is also recoverable from Mrs Rowe-Hillier.

The court heard the defendant vacated a house in Heol y Pothladd, Barry, but failed to notify the council. As a result, she continued to receive housing benefit for the property to which she was not entitled.

Mrs Rowe-Hillier was also given a 30-day prison sentence for failing to pay council tax, which was suspended subject to outstanding monies being repaid on a monthly basis.

A Vale council fraud hotline number, which is free and confidential, is available on 0800 731 2525.

Residents facing genuine difficulty with the payment of council tax can contact the collection office on 01446 709564 to discuss payment.

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