A Luton resident has been convicted of Housing Benefit Fraud, and has to pay the council £6,351.42.
Sarah Webb, 34, failed to report a change in her circumstances. She pleaded guilty and will serve a 12 month community order with 200 hours unpaid work.
Ms Webb, of Jasmine Road, was also ordered to pay £220 towards the council’s costs and a £60 victim surcharge.
The court heard how the investigations team looked into the circumstances of her benefit claims following a detailed anonymous phone call and discovered Webb had failed to report that her partner had moved in with her.
Councillor Mohammed Ashraf said: “If you are claiming Housing Benefit and your circumstances change in any way you must tell us immediately or risk a criminal record, fine and possibly a prison sentence.
“Benefit fraud is stealing, and people who claim at the expense of tax payers when they are not entitled to do so can be assured the Council will catch up with them and work relentlessly to bring them before the courts.”