TWO Oxford women have been sentenced for benefit fraud totalling more than £17,000 between them.
Mandy Rowland and Isabel Pires De Lima were each sentenced at Oxford Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
Rowland took £11,445.78 in housing benefit, council tax benefit and jobseeker’s allowance between June 2008 and September 2010.
The 46-year-old, from Long Ground, Blackbird Leys, admitted dishonestly making false statements and failing to declare a change of circumstances.
Oxford magistrates ordered her to pay a £1,000 fine and £50 costs. She must also pay back the benefits to Oxford City Council and the Department for Work and Pensions.
De Lima, 47, of Cowley Road, East Oxford, admitted fraudulently claiming £6,104.64 in housing benefit, council tax benefit and jobseeker’s allowance between April 2008 and June 2009.
She admitted failing to declare a change in circumstances and making a false representation after failing to notify authorities she was in employment.
De Lima was told to do 180 hours’ unpaid work and will have to pay back the money.
Anyone with information about benefit cheats should call the city council benefit fraud line on 01865 252222 or email benefitfraudline@oxford.gov.uk
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