Resident given financial penalty for Council Tax fraud

15 Jan 2025

A resident who failed to declare a change in circumstances and claimed more than £4,100 in Council Tax Support has been fined.

Elizabeth McCormick, 42, of Amis Court in Lakenheath, appeared at Ipswich Magistrates Court on Monday 13 January 2025, when she pled guilty to the fraud offence.

She admitted a charge of failure to declare that she was in receipt of income from paid employment.

Her fraud amounted to an overpayment of £4,116.55 in Council Tax Support and
was prosecuted by Anglia Revenues Partnership on behalf of West Suffolk Council.

The court ordered that she pay an £80 fine, £719 towards the prosecution costs and a victim surcharge of £32. 

Cllr Diane Hind, Cabinet Member for Resources at West Suffolk Council said: “We understand that there are residents who are struggling and support is available to help them. It remains essential to prioritise Council Tax Support for those who genuinely need it.

“Fraudulent cases like these are directly against all taxpayers in West Suffolk as they add unnecessary pressure on public services, leading to increased costs for everyone else. While prosecution is always a last resort, when evidence of fraud is clear, we will take action and prosecute to ensure accountability and deter others from similar actions.”

Residents facing financial difficulties should contact Anglia Revenues Partnership to explore the available support options. Advice and information on the help available can be found at Anglia Revenues Partnership - Money Advice

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