Felixstowe woman sentenced after council tax fraud

Sophie Senski, formerly of Coastguard Walk in Felixstowe, failed to declare another adult was living in her household, which enabled her to continue to receive a 25% single person discount on her council tax account. 

She also failed to declare another adult in her household when claiming for council tax support and council tax reduction and failed to declare she held capital above the £16,000 limit when claiming for council tax reduction.

Senski was handed a suspended prison sentence (Image: Newsquest)

East Suffolk Council said Senski was overpaid £3,643.20 in council tax support, as well £2,080.45 in single person discount.

After pleading guilty, she was handed a 36-week prison sentence, suspended for two years, at Ipswich Crown Court. 

She will also have to complete a 25 days rehabilitation activity requirement, 100 hours unpaid work and ordered to pay £1,200 towards prosecution costs, as well as a £154 statutory victim surcharge.

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An East Suffolk Council spokesperson said: “Single person households are eligible for a 25% discount on their council tax and those on low incomes may also be eligible to pay a reduced rate of council tax.

"It is essential that any changes to a household, such as a partner moving in or leaving, is reported to the council tax team as soon as possible, so that the amount you pay fairly reflects your circumstances.

"We are pleased with the outcome of this case, where the person was purposefully dishonest in failing to report her change of circumstances so that she could continue to benefit from lower payments.”