She has been sentenced in court after the fraud was uncovered
The fraud involved illegally claiming more than £50,000 in benefits (stock image)(Image: Getty Images)
A woman who fraudulently claimed more than £50,000 in benefits has been sentenced. The offences related to claims for council tax support, housing benefit and employment support allowance.
Pauline Ellam, formerly of Pollington, East Yorkshire, admitted fraud offences between January 2020 and January 2023 totalling £51,224.60. They were uncovered following a joint investigation by East Riding of Yorkshire Council and the Department for Work and Pensions.
Ellam failed to disclose that she was living together with her partner and maintaining a common household with him, which affected her entitlement to benefits. Her actions resulted in an overpayment of council tax support, housing benefit and employment support allowance.
Appearing at Leeds Crown Court, Ellam was sentenced to 29 months imprisonment, suspended for two years, and ordered to undertake 15 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days. She is also required to repay all the money she fraudulently received.
Meanwhile, Proceeds of Crime Act proceedings are ongoing to ensure that Ellam is stripped of any financial gain from her criminal activity.
Councillor Nigel Wilkinson, East Riding of Yorkshire Council cabinet member for finance and governance said: “The council has a zero-tolerance approach to fraud of all types and will take action against anyone found cheating the system. If you suspect that someone may be claiming benefits that they are not entitled to, call the fraud hotline or speak to one of our officers.”
The authority says anyone who suspects benefit fraud is being committed in the East Riding can report it confidentially at https://www.eastriding.gov.uk/housing/housing-benefit-and-council-tax-support/fraud-reporting/ or by calling the 24-hour fraud hotline on 01482 394949.
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