Ms. Toyin Odunwo was sentenced to 56 days imprisonment (suspended for two years) and ordered to pay costs of £300 by Highbury Corner Magistrates after she pleaded guilty to fraudulently claiming £11705.56 in Housing and Council Tax Benefits. <br><br>Ms. Odunwo who lives in Archway, N7 didn't mentioned on her benefit application forms that she was the joint owner of a property in Enfield or that another person was living at the Archway address, contrary to section 112 (1A) of the Social Security Administration Act 1992. <br><br>As a result, Ms. Odunwo received Housing Benefit on her Archway flat totalling £8925.51 and Council Tax Benefit totalling £2780.05 between 13 May 2002 and 1 August 2004. Had she been truthful to Islington Council about her interest in the Enfield home and the presence of a non-dependant in her household, Ms. Odunwo would not have been eligible for any benefits during this time. <br><br>Details of Ms. Odunwo’s joint ownership of the Enfield property, which she had purchased with her partner in 2001, came to light following an investigation into an allegation that she was not resident in Archway. The undisclosed interest in the Enfield property was discovered when Islington Council benefit investigation officers used powers under the Social Security Fraud Act of 2001 in order to obtain details of Mrs. Odunwo’s financial affairs.<br><br>Councillor Jyoti Vaja, executive member for housing and community safety said: "More and more benefit cheats are getting caught in Islington. The message is clear - don't be tempted to defraud the system. We will prosecute and do everything we can to get all the overpaid benefits back in full."<br><br>Ann Lucas, Homes for Islington Board Chair said: Council homes and benefits are meant for those who need and deserve them. Homes for Islington works closely with the council to ensure that residents who seek to commit fraud are identified and that they pay the consequences for their actions." <br><br>If you know a benefit cheat call our freephone 24 anonymous hotline on 0800 073 1449, visit the council's website at www.islington.gov.uk or email benefitfraud@islington.gov.uk<br><br>The benefit fraud investigations team will look at every tip off. If there are grounds for investigation one will take place and appropriate action will be taken. This can include prosecution, an official caution, a financial penalty or the withdrawal of benefit.<br><br>The case went to Highbury Corner Magistrates on 19 April 2005. <br><br>Ends
Page Last Updated: 17 December 2009