A MAN has been fined after pleading guilty to benefit fraud.

Kyle Maving, of Kingsway in Royston, failed to give North Herts District Council (NHDC) prompt notification of his change in circumstances and went on to dishonestly claim £1,684.68 in housing benefit and council tax benefit between July and November 2010.

He has been ordered by Stevenage Magistrates Court to pay a fine of £160 after pleading guilty to being in receipt of housing benefit and council tax benefit that he was not entitled to.

He was also ordered to pay an additional £100 towards the council’s legal costs and a £20 victim surcharge, following a prosecution brought about by NHDC on June 21.

Cllr Terry Hone, NHDC’s potfolio holder for finance and IT, said: “We are pleased with the outcome of the prosecution and we hope it sends a clear message that NHDC will investigate any information regarding dishonest housing benefit and council tax claims and wherever possible will prosecute offenders.”

If you think someone may be claiming benefits who is not entitled to do so you can contact NHDC on 01462 474436. You can find out more by visiting www.north-herts.gov.uk and typing ‘reporting fraud’ into the search facility.