08/01/2026: Council tax fraudster fined by court

A Thetford resident who dishonestly claimed Council Tax Support and a Single Person Discount has been prosecuted after an investigation by the Anglia Revenues Partnership (ARP).

The individual had been claiming Council Tax Support and a Single Person Discount since February 2019 on the basis that she was living alone.

However, a National Fraud Initiative (NFI) data match identified that an undeclared adult had been living in the property. Further evidence gathered during the investigation confirmed that he had been resident in the household since the start of the claim.

By failing to declare that she was living with a non-dependent adult in employment, the Thetford resident dishonestly obtained financial support she was not entitled to. This resulted in an overpayment of £4,152.73 in Council Tax Support and £2,068.55 in Single Person Discount, totalling £6,221.28.

After failing to attend her initial court appearance on 16 June 2025, a warrant was issued for her arrest. She appeared before Norwich Magistrates' Court on 20 November 2025, where she pleaded guilty to three offences under the Fraud Act 2006 and the Council Tax Reduction Schemes (Detection of Fraud and Enforcement) (England) Regulations 2013.

She was sentenced to a £240 financial penalty, ordered to pay £550 in costs, and must also pay a £30 statutory victim surcharge. The council will seek full recovery of the overpaid amounts.

Cllr Philip Cowen, Executive Member for Finance, Revenue and Benefits, said: "This is another successful prosecution that highlights the value of strong partnership working between the council and Anglia Revenues Partnership in protecting public funds.

"While we are committed to supporting residents who are genuinely struggling, we must also ensure that assistance is provided fairly and honestly. I urge anyone facing financial hardship to contact us early so we can help, and I encourage residents to report concerns about potential fraud in confidence."

The council reminds residents that a range of support is available for people who are genuinely struggling to pay their Council Tax, and urges anyone experiencing hardship to contact the council at the earliest opportunity. Residents can also report suspected cases of fraud in confidence.