Resident charged with benefit fraud

At Rochdale Magistrates Court on 9 February 2010, Nicola Bratby (23), of Nixon Street, Rochdale, pleaded guilty to two charges of benefit fraud. Bratby admitted that she had failed to notify changes in her circumstances when her income increased after changing jobs and after the relationship with her partner resumed after a period of separation. She admitted falsely claiming £2,804.37 in housing benefit and £361.11 of council tax benefits.

Bratby was questioned under caution by an investigator from Rochdale Borough Council about her changes in circumstances and she promptly admitted the offences. She was subsequently summonsed regarding the offences. Bratby was fined £200 and ordered to pay £300 costs.

Liz Thirsk, Cabinet Member for Townships and Corporate Management said: “Fraudsters will be dealt with by the courts. The council’s commitment to prosecute any claimant who is blatantly committing fraud will continue, and we stand by our campaign of ‘No Ifs, No Buts’ to safeguard the honest taxpayers of Rochdale.”