COUNCIL chiefs have signalled their intent to crack down on benefit cheats by bringing court actions against offenders.

In recent weeks, Scarborough Borough Council has taken action against three people for defrauding the authority of housing benefit.

All three were given community service and ordered to pay court costs.

Acting director of corporate services, Trevor Teasdale, said: "The council is pleased with the outcome of these cases and, as the authority is determined to root out benefit fraud wherever it is found, we hope that the sentences will be a lesson to anyone who might abuse the benefit system.

"The council will continue to pursue and prosecute fraudulent claims as vigorously as possible. In addition, we will actively pursue former claimants to recover the value of payments overpaid."