TWO people from the Vale of White Horse District Council area have pleaded guilty to benefit fraud.

Paul Lloyd, 62, of Wicklesham Farm Cottages, Faringdon, admitted dishonestly failing to report a change in circumstances in relation to his claims for council tax reduction and housing benefit.

He was fined £135 by Oxford Magistrates’ Court and ordered to pay more than £600 costs.

The court heard that in July 2013, Lloyd failed to inform Vale of White Horse District Council that he had started work as a coach driver. As a result he claimed almost £1,000 that he was not entitled to, and this money must now be paid back.

Penelope Alder, 65, of Martens Road, Shrivenham, was handed a two-year conditional discharge after admitting three charges of dishonestly failing to disclose information.

This was in relation to her claims for council tax reduction, council tax benefit and housing benefit when she lived at a previous address in Pound Piece, Ashbury, near Swindon.

Alder failed to disclose more than £26,000 in savings which would have meant she was no longer able to claim housing benefit and council tax reduction.

As a result, the court heard, she wrongly received more than £6,600.

Alder must now pay this money back, along with £739 costs.

Matthew Barber, leader of Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “Everyone who claims benefits has a responsibility to tell us if they experience a change in circumstance, or have additional money that could affect the amount of money they are entitled to.

“If you fail to do that you could end up in court, which often results in a criminal record, fine or further punishment.”