A west Suffolk woman who falsely claimed more than £4,800 in council tax support has been fined.

Tara Tucker, 36 of Shipp Close, Little Wratting, near Haverhill, appeared at Cambridge Magistrates Court on October 15, when she admitted to two offences of fraud.

She admitted to a charge of failure to declare another adult in the household to obtain a council tax discount, and a second of fraud by false representation. 

The court heard Tucker had been in receipt of council tax support and a 25 per cent single person discount since August 3, 2020.

The total fraud came to an overpayment of £4,886.39 in both council tax support and single person discount.

This was paid out between August 3, 2020 and November 20, 2023. 

Tucker was prosecuted by Anglia Revenues Partnership on behalf of West Suffolk Council and the court ordered her to pay a fine of £120, £1,500 towards the prosecution costs and a victim surcharge of £48.

Cllr Diane Hind, cabinet member for resources at West Suffolk Council, said: "We recognise that there are residents who are struggling and assistance is available to them. It is crucial that we continue to prioritise council tax support for residents who truly need it.

"Fraud cases like these are directly against all fellow West Suffolk taxpayers. They place an increased strain on public services and risk higher costs for everyone else. Taking these cases to court is a last resort. When it is evident that a claim is fraudulent, we will prosecute so that they serve as a deterrent to others."

West Suffolk Council said residents facing financial difficulties should contact Anglia Revenues Partnership to explore the available support options.

Advice and information on the help available can be found at www.angliarevenues.gov.uk/services/moneyadvice/index.cfm