Woman Falsely Claimed Thousand Pounds in Benefits

Ealing Council to recover money fraudulently obtained

A Greenford woman has been convicted of falsely claiming more than £30,000 in housing benefit after failing to declare that her ‘private landlord’ was a close relative.  

Eaman Hussain, 46, of Perivale Lane, Perivale was found guilty of conspiring to commit benefit fraud amounting to £30,736.98 over a three-year period from 2005-2008.

Mrs Hussain had claimed housing and council tax benefit for a property on Costons Avenue, Greenford from 2001.  She failed to inform the council that the property had been purchased by a family member in 2005, which affected her entitlement to benefit.

Following a trial by jury at Isleworth Crown Court, Mrs Hussain was sentenced on 12 September to nine months imprisonment suspended for two years with a requirement to complete 250 hours of unpaid work.

Ealing Council has also instigated proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act to recover the money fraudulently obtained.

Councillor Yvonne Johnson, cabinet member for finance and performance, said: “Mrs Hussain was given every opportunity to declare her change in circumstances, but she chose not to. Instead she chose to flout the law, taking money away from those who are in genuine need.

“I hope this case will serve as an example to others that attempts to cheat the system will be found out and brought before the courts for justice to be served."

Anyone with information about suspected benefit fraud should call anonymously via the council’s 24-hour fraud hotline on 0800 328 6453 (free from landlines) or email fraudreferrals@ealing.gov.uk 

1st October 2014