A councillor has expressed his ‘amazement’ after a fraudster who cheated tax payers out of £43,000 in false claims over an eight year period avoided jail on Monday.
June Cunningham, aged 60 of Redgrave Road, Basildon, pleaded guilty to 26 offences in that she failed to tell Basildon Council another person was living with her.
Councillor Phil Turner, cabinet member for resources, said: “On behalf of the residents of Basildon, I must express my amazement that someone who has tried to get away with treating public funds as some kind of money tree has managed to avoid a tougher sentence.
“Our specialist investigations team are dedicated to fighting fraud on behalf of honest taxpayers, which is why it can sometimes be frustrating when the punishment does not reflect the severity of the crime.
Cunningham was sentenced to 12 months custody, suspended for two years, six months supervision, 200 hours unpaid work and ordered to pay costs, within 12 months, of £1,000, on 12 July at Basildon Crown Court.
Cllr Turner continued: “Benefit cheats are stealing from their friends and family and denying those in genuine need – they should be brought to justice.”
As well as punishment through the courts, Cunningham will also have to repay the amount of benefit overpayment.