Blackpool woman admits cheating DWP out of £7,000

Carrie Tonner, 39, failed to tell the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) that a child was no longer living with her.

Blackpool Magistrates heard that had she done so, her Universal Credit benefit would have been affected.

Tonner, of Robinson Road, Blackpool admitted failing to notify the DWP about her change of circumstances.

Stephen Duffy, defending, said his client's life had become ‘complicated’ because of personal illness and family court proceedings.

Tonner was ordered to pay a fine and costs totalling £317.