Ex Bolsover woman admits benefit fraud

A former Bolsover woman, has been handed a Community Order requiring her to comply with a curfew order for claiming benefits she was not entitled to.

A joint investigation by Bolsover District Council and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) uncovered that Lydia Handley, had falsely claimed Income Support, Housing Benefit and Council Tax benefit totalling £16,268 as a lone parent between 27th August 2011 and 24th May 2013, when in fact her partner and father of her child, who had been in employment, had been living with her at the addresses. 

The curfew order applies between 7pm and 7am until 20th May 2014

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Handley (22), now of Newbold Road, Chesterfield, pleaded guilty at North East Derbyshire and Dales Magistrates Court, Chesterfield on 4th March to falsely claiming benefits at a previous address in Bolsover and two former addresses in the Chesterfield Borough area.

She appeared at Court again on 6th March 2014 for sentencing for dishonestly failing to declare a change in circumstances, contrary to Section 111A(1A) of the Social Security Administration Act 1992.

In addition to the curfew, she also has to repay the amounts she has falsely claimed. 

Anyone who knows of any benefit fraud is urged to contact Bolsover

If you know of anyone who you suspect is committing benefit fraud, contact Bolsover District Council on 01246 242444 or email [email protected]