Cleaner facing prison over illegal benefits claims (From Times Series)

Cleaner from Potters Bar facing prison over illegal benefits claims from Hertsmere Council

12:28pm Tuesday 12th March 2013 in News By Chris Hewett

A cleaner is facing a prison sentence after she pleaded guilty yesterday to illegally claiming almost £10,000 in benefits.

Jane Parker, of Cranborne Road, Potters Bar, admitted falsely claiming housing and council tax benefit over a period of four years.

The 36-year-old twice failed to inform Hertsmere Council of a change in her circumstances when she got jobs as a cleaning supervisor for the Royal Veterinary Service and later for Hertsmere Leisure Trust.

An investigation by council officers found she had illegally pocketed £9,250 in benefits she was not entitled to.

At Watford Magistrates’ Court yesterday, Parker pleaded guilty to two charges of making a false representation.

She was told she faces a prison term when she appears for sentencing at St Albans Magistrates’ Court on April 4 and was released on unconditional bail until then.

Hertsmere Council is now looking to recover the money.