A BENEFIT cheat has been ordered to pay back £42,000 after claiming benefit for a house she rented from her mum.

Terri Hanson, 41, of Milton Road, Westcliff, has been ordered to pay back seven years of housing benefit and put under a year-long supervision order after admitting ten counts of making false representations.

Hanson claimed housing benefit on a property she said she was renting in Eastwood Boulevard, Westcliff, and told officials her landlord lived in New Zealand.

But council tax staff raised questions and further investigations by the Counter-Fraud Investigation Directorate revealed that the house belonged to Miss Hanson’s mother.

It emerged that Miss Hanson had not only lied in her initial application, but also supported this dishonesty for seven years with false documents such as tenancy agreements and letters.

Southend Council’s director for corporate services, Sally Holland, said: “We are committed to paying benefits to those who are entitled to receive them.

“However, we will do all we can to protect public money and take action against anyone who tries to make fraudulent claims.

“Benefit fraud is a crime, and as can be seen from this case, repayment of wrongly-obtained benefit is not the only action which can be taken.”

Hason admitted ten counts of making false representations at Basildon Crown Court on Wednesday, May 6.

Anyone with suspicions over a person entitlement to benefit can call Southend Council’s corporate fraud investigation team direct on 01702 215254, or email counterfraud@southend.gov.uk All information received is treated in the strictest confidence.