A husband and wife who admitted a benefits swindle involving more than £2,300 will be sentenced by magistrates next month.

David Cross, 45, and Michelle Cross, 40, pleaded guilty at Didcot Magistrates' Court to failing to declare a change in circumstance and making a false statement when applying for benefits.

The prosecution related to overpayments of £2,254 in housing benefit and £58 in council tax benefit. The court heard that the couple, of Pound Croft, Grove, near Wantage, began claiming benefits in 2002.

On their application form they failed to mention that Michelle Cross, who works at the Co-op in Wantage, was also employed by Oxfordshire County Council as a catering assistant at a school in Wantage.

They were caught in March following checks by the Audit Commission's National Fraud Initiative, which matches payroll information with that of organisations such as the police, fire service and NHS. Information was passed on to the Vale of White Horse District Council.

The council's Revenues and Benefits client manager, Paul Howden, said: "This case serves as a reminder to those who claim benefits as part of a couple that when they both sign the application form they become jointly responsible for the information that is and isn't included.

"Although David Cross was not the individual who was working, he also signed the application form and so was equally guilty of cheating the system. Because of their deliberate deception, both individuals now have a criminal record and may have to pay a much higher price."

Tony de Vere, council executive member with responsibility for finance, said: "Benefit fraud is a serious crime which impacts on those in need the most. I urge anyone who thinks they know a benefit cheat to contact the fraud team with details via the Fraud Hotline on 01235 540330."

Mr and Mrs Cross have been remanded on bail to appear for sentencing at Didcot Magistrates' Court on October 23.