A WOMAN claiming universal credit failed to tell the benefits agency when she started living with her boyfriend.

Blackburn magistrates heard the failure resulted in a total overpayment to Lauren Bromley of more than £7,000.

Bromley, 24, of Priory Drive, Darwen, pleaded guilty to dishonestly failing to notify a change of circumstances.

She was ordered to do 40 hours' unpaid work and pay £85 costs and £85 victim surcharge.

Catherine Allan, prosecuting, said Bromley had initially made a legitimate claim on the basis that she was an unemployed single parent.

She later moved in with Christopher Waddicor.

Gareth Price, defending, said the claim had been legitimate to begin with.

"The common household was effectively formed but in the early stages neither her or her partner were sure of what the future held," said Mr Price.

"They had both come out of relationships and they were testing the water to begin with.

"She has to accept it became a permanent relationship and she should have told the DWP of the situation."

He said Bromley was now working as a teaching assistant and didn't know if the conviction would affect her employment.