Maidenhead & Windsor

The Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough has successfully carried out a benefit fraud prosecution involving overpayments of more than £15,000.

At Maidenhead Magistrates Court on Friday 17 April, Danielle Macinski, 27, of Evenlode, Maidenhead, pleaded guilty to three counts of failing to notify a change in circumstances. At Slough Magistrates Court on Friday 8 May she received a £2,500 fine, was ordered to pay costs of £280 and compensation of £15,250.10 within eight weeks.

Between 11 August 2007 and 8 September 2008 Ms Macinski received housing benefit overpayments of £5,118.60, Windsor and Maidenhead council tax benefit overpayments of £768.25 and income support overpayments of £9,363.25.

The case arose as a result of an anonymous tip-off that Ms Macinski had a partner in full-time work living with her while she continued to claim benefits as a lone parent.

All three offences are contrary to Section 111a of the Social Security Administration Act 1992.

Cllr David Hilton, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead finance, said: “The Royal Borough has been successful in bringing about a number of prosecutions and this conviction makes the message clear that we will continue to take firm action against anyone who tries to cheat the benefit system.

“I would strongly advise anyone who has received overpayments to contact us as soon as possible so that the issue can be resolved.”

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead