DOZENS of benefit cheats have been caught by South Gloucestershire Council over the last year.

The council has revealed that it took action against 88 fraudsters and uncovered overpayments of more than £400,000 during 2008/09.

As a result, 45 people were successfully prosecuted, 31 were cautioned and 12 faced fines.

The cases investigated by the authority’s fraud team included an overpayment of £34,000 in housing benefit, which was paid our over five years. The claimant was jailed for six months and her landlord was given a six-month suspended prison sentence.

Another claimant was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, for an overpayment of more than £49,000.

In total, the fraud team uncovered overpayments of £331,000 housing and council tax benefit, and £100,000 Department for Work and Pension benefits during the year.

Cllr Allan Higgs (Con, Wintebourne), executive member for corporate affairs, said: "Benefit fraud is a serious crime. It is estimated that nationally, benefit cheats cost the country £2billion in stolen benefits a year.

"We need to make sure that benefits are paid to those who need them – not these thieves.

"Anyone committing fraud needs to know that they will be caught – and will face significant legal action."

The council is urging anyone who has information about benefit cheats to call the fraud hotline on 08000 737377 or visit www.southglos.gov.uk and search for benefit fraud.