Kara Louisa Robinson, of Manor Estate, appeared at Nuneaton Magistrates Court
for sentencing on Tuesday 11 February.
She was found guilty in her
absence at a hearing in January of failing to notify the council of a change in
her circumstances.
Magistrates heard the council launched an
investigation into Miss Robinson's circumstances after receiving an anonymous
tip-off.
Officers from the council's benefit investigation team
discovered the 34-year-old's partner had moved into her home, but she had failed
to inform the council and had carried on claiming housing benefit.
She
had also failed to tell the council she had changed jobs.
The court
heard Miss Robinson fraudulently claimed a total of £5,902.07 in housing benefit
from 1 May 2012 to 27 October 2013.
After considering a report from a
probation officer, magistrates sentenced Miss Robinson to a community order with
nine months supervision. She was also ordered to pay a £60 victim
surcharge.
The council can recover the overpaid housing benefit from Miss
Robinson.
Speaking after the hearing, Cllr Leigh Hunt, Rugby Borough
Council portfolio holder for sustainable inclusive communities, said: "We're
determined to crackdown on benefit fraud, and have no hesitation in taking
action through the courts when necessary.
"However, while we're committed
to catching those who cheat the system, we're also here to help.
"I would
urge anyone who has concerns about their benefit claim, or who is uncertain
about how their circumstances affect their claim, to contact the council's
benefits team on (01788) 533433."
Residents who wish to report suspected
cases of benefit fraud can call the council in the strictest confidence on
(01788) 533460 or email
benefits.unit@rugby.gov.uk