Kingston Council will not tolerate benefit fraud

Kingston Council's 'joined up approach' to fighting fraud has been proven successful by a recent case in which one benefit cheat was sentenced to eight weeks in prison.

Ex-Surbiton and Croydon resident Victoria Coker pleaded guilty to 13 benefit fraud offences on 8 September at Richmond Magistrates' Court. In addition to eight weeks in custody, Miss Coker was also ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work and to pay costs of £3,406.

A joint benefit fraud investigation by Kingston Council's Counter Fraud

and Corruption Unit and Croydon Council's Anti-Fraud Team found that Miss Coker was claiming housing and council tax benefit from both Surbiton and Croydon Council at the same time, which "involved the use of forged documents and an element of planning," the Chair of the Bench said. More than £10,000 was overpaid to Miss Coker.

Commenting on the investigation, Councillor Trevor Heap, Chair of Kingston Council's Audit Committee, said: "Kingston Council has an excellent track record of bringing culprits to justice and this case shows that working together with our partners is the most effective way of protecting the public purse for the good of honest taxpayers."

Anyone who suspects benefit fraud or wrongdoing in Kingston is asked to call the Fraud Hotline on 0208 547 5700 or email investigations@rbk.kingston.gov.uk