AN EASINGWOLD couple have been fined after they wrongly claimed almost £3,500 in housing and council tax benefits.

David Hodgson, 62, and Ann Hodgson, 51, of Thormanby, failed to tell Hambleton District Council about an increase in their household income as a result of a pension pay-out, and that meant they were overpaid £2,698.92 in housing benefit and another £760.86 in council tax reduction.

The pair pleaded guilty at Northallerton magistrates and were each fined £500 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £50 each as well as the council’s costs of almost £300. They are already repaying the overpaid benefit to the council.

After the hearing, council leader Mark Robson said: “The magistrates took this case very seriously and showed the couple little leniency given the amount of money they had received and the little amount they are repaying the council.

“This case is the latest in a string of convictions against people who commit fraud – we will not tolerate it, no matter how little or much money is involved.”