A 53-YEAR-OLD woman who was claiming benefits failed to disclose that her husband was working.

Blackburn magistrates heard he continued to claim carers allowance for looking after his wife despite having a job.

Andrew Bracewell, 53, of Havelock Street, Oswaldtwistle, pleaded guilty to dishonestly failing to notify a change of circumstances which affected his entitlement to carers allowance. He was made subject to a community order for 12 months and ordered to do 40 hours unpaid work.

Debra Bracewell, of the same address, pleaded guilty to making false statements to obtain employment support allowance and income support. She was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison suspended for 12 months.

Andy Roison, prosecuting, said Andrew Bracewell was claiming carers allowance while working for Hermes Parcel Distribution and that resulted in a total overpayment of £5,425.

He said Debra Bracewell was claiming two benefits on the basis she was not fit to work and that their only income as a couple was benefits. That resulted in an overpayment of £14,195.

Scott Parker, defending, said both his clients had entered voluntary arrangements to pay back the overpayments.