A PENSIONER swindled almost £7,000 in benefits.

Christine Luke, 65, was this week given a three-month community order after admitting illegally taking the benefit money over a near three-year period.

Luke, of Overmead Green in Blackbird Leys, Oxford, admitted dishonestly obtaining Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit and Pension Credits between September 2009 and July 2012 after failing to declare a change in circumstance, an Oxford City Council spokesman said.

She also admitted making a false representation in May 2011 in order to claim Pension Credit.

The spokesman said the charges related to a total of £6,929.69 that was paid to Luke that she was not entitled to.

Oxford magistrates sentenced her to the community order on Monday and also ordered her to pay £200 costs.

The spokesman said Luke would have to pay the money back to Oxford City Council and the Department for Work and Pensions.

Councillor Susan Brown, the council’s executive board member for revenue and benefits, said: “This case shows that the council will take action against people who abuse the benefits system and we will take action against all fraudulent claims.

“It is our policy to provide active support to people who have an entitlement to benefits to help to ensure they get the correct payments but we will take strong enforcement action against those who abuse the system.”

You can call the Oxford City Council benefit fraud line on 01865 252222 or email benefitfraudline @oxford.gov.uk or complete the benefit fraud ‘Report it’ form on the council’s website at oxford.gov.uk