Councillor spared jail for benefit fraud

A councillor has received a suspended jail sentence after admitting benefit fraud totalling more than £44,000.

Lesley Hayward sits as an independent on Wokingham Borough Council, where she represents the Bulmershe and Whitegates ward.

Hayward told the authorities she lived alone, when she actually lived with her partner.

She has been handed a four-month sentence which was suspended for 12 months, and has been ordered to pay £8,000, of which £5,000 has already been repaid.

District Judge Davinder Lachhar has said there is "absolutely no excuse" for the councillor not to pay back the remainder of the money owed to the council. The judge said it was "wrong in principle" that the taxpayer was still owed money when Mrs Hayward had savings of more than £6,000.

Defending Mrs Hayward, Paul Cantrill said she has not yet paid the council back because she needed the money for future bills and expenses.

Mrs Hayward previously admitted two counts of knowingly failing to declare a change in circumstances to the council and the Department of Work and Pensions, and one of making a false statement to obtain Pension Credit.

The offences occurred between 2004 and 2012, and she received a total of £44,593.23 to which she was not entitled.

The councillor receives a state pension and expenses from the council of around £135 a week.

If you are facing an accusation of benefit fraud, call us today to get expert advice. You can speak to us in confidence on 0845 603 0708 or email answers@nationalsolicitors.com and we will get back to you.

Fraud Solicitors

Notting Hill, London