A NORTH Yorkshire authority has promised it will take a tough stance against benefit fraud.

So far this year, Hambleton District Council has taken action in ten cases where claimants have not advised the authority of their true circumstances.

A Thirsk man was fined £2,000 for five cases of fraudulently receiving benefit. He was ordered to repay the overpaid benefit to the council.

The man pleaded guilty to the five charges which related to overpaid housing benefit totalling £6,683.89 and council tax benefit totalling £1,581.49.

He also failed to declare his Army pension and the bank account into which it was paid.

Councillor David Blades, cabinet spokesperson on housing, said: "This council will not shy away from taking action against fraudulent claims or from claimants withholding information."

Three more cases are due before Northallerton magistrates this month.