A WOMAN form Witney has been prosecuted for fraudulently claiming council tax support from West Oxfordshire District Council.

Ann-Marie Williams, 33, of Mallard Drive, claimed £3,205 over a three-year period, stating that she was a single parent when her partner, who was in full time employment, was living with her. She also failed to disclose they had married in August 2016.

Appearing at Oxford Magistrates Court on August 17, she admitted five offences under Sections 2 and 3 of the Fraud Act 2006 after making false representations and failing to disclose information.

Williams also admitted fraudulently claiming £18,005 of housing benefit in a simultaneous case brought by the Department for Work and Pensions.

After being convicted on all counts she received a 12 month community order which will involve completing 200 hours of unpaid work.

She was also ordered to pay £200 towards the council’s legal costs and will have to repay all the money she received fraudulently.

Toby Morris, deputy leader for the council and cabinet member for resources, said: “We are extremely vigilant in monitoring claims for housing and council tax benefits and want to help those who need it.

“However, fraud is not a victimless crime – every tax payer has to fund it and, as this case proves, we will not hesitate to prosecute if we identify fraudulent activity.”