A MEMBER of the public tipped off the authorities about a York woman who was claiming benefits on the grounds she was a single mother when she was living with a partner.

A City of York Council spokesman said Barbara Brown had netted £2,860 in housing benefit and £2,525.57 in income support she was not entitled to.

Brown, aged 30, of Starkey Crescent, York, admitted two charges of benefit fraud committed between June 2012 and January 2013 and was conditionally discharged for 12 months.

She was also ordered to pay £85 prosecution costs and a £15 statutory surcharge. The court heard she was repaying the over payments. She was prosecuted following a joint investigation by the council and the Department for Work and Pensions.

Coun Dafydd Williams, finance portfolio holder thanked the member of the public who tipped off the authorities and said: “This is another example of a good result in the fight against fraud. Along with the support of the public, the council will continue to tackle this type of criminal behaviour, and action will be taken against those who are abusing the system.”