A COUNCILLOR appeared in court today charged with fraudulently claiming nearly £18,000 in benefits from the authority he represents.

Howard Trevette faces four charges under the Fraud Act after failing to notify Chiltern District Council of changes in circumstances that would entitle him to benefit.

The prosecution has been brought by Chiltern District Council - the authority for which Cllr Trevette represents the Amersham Town ward.

His wife, Danna, also appeared in court facing five charges.

They both gave no indication of plea when they appeared at Wycombe Magistrates' Court this afternoon, speaking only to confirm their names, dates of birth and address, in The Broadway, Amersham.

They are jointly charged with failing to disclose Cllr Trevette was in receipt of a council allowance; that Cllr Trevette was in receipt of a lump sum pension payment; and that Cllr Trevette failed to give prompt notification of a change in circumstances affecting entitlement to benefit after receiving £208,079.40.

The pair allegedly also failed to disclose the receipt of that lump sum, which affected their entitlement to council tax benefit.

Mrs Trevette is also accused of failing to disclose to the council in 2009 that she was working. It is alleged she was working and operating a beauty salon but failed to declare this to the council while claiming housing and council tax benefits.

It's alleged the Trevettes received £14,671.94 in housing benefit, £1,287.38 in council tax benefit and £1,873.74 under the council tax reduction scheme - a grand total of £17,833.06 - that they were not entitled to.

The couple were granted unconditional bail by magistrates and are due to appear before Aylesbury Crown Court next Wednesday, November 12.

Cllr Trevette was elected to Chiltern District Council as a Conservative in 2011 but is currently listed as an independent councillor. The Bucks Free Press understands he was suspended as a member of the party when the allegations came to light.

He is also a member of Amersham Town Council.