FAILING to tell the council about extra bank accounts proved costly for a woman from South Oxfordshire.

Emma Redman, 34, of High Street, Tetsworth, failed to inform South Oxfordshire District Council of additional bank accounts which affected her entitlement to council tax reduction.

As a result, she claimed more than £3,255 in overpayments between 2013 and 2018.

She appeared at Oxford Magistrates Court on Monday and was sentenced to a 12-month conditional discharge after pleading guilty to failing to declare capital when claiming the reduction.

Magistrates ordered her to pay £250 costs.

SODC is now reminding people claiming Council Tax Reduction that they must declare all finances and any changes in circumstance, otherwise they could face prosecution.

When someone applies for a reduction in their council tax, they must honestly declare any income and capital.

They should also inform the council if they experience a change in circumstance which could affect their entitlement.

If someone fails to do this, they risk being prosecuted and could end up with a criminal record and a fine as a result.

All changes of circumstances must be reported within 21 days.

For more information please see southoxon.gov.uk/ctrs