East Riding resident sentenced for benefit fraud

A Goole woman has been sentenced after admitting to fraudulently claiming benefits totalling £35,714.69, between October 2021 and February 2024

Christina Harrison of Goole, East Yorkshire, pleaded guilty to four offences of benefit fraud relating to her claims for council tax support, housing benefit, income support and child tax credit.

The fraud was uncovered following a joint investigation by East Riding of Yorkshire Council and the Department for Work and Pensions.

Harrison 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, Income Support and Child Tax Credit.

Harrison appeared before Hull Magistrates Court on Tuesday 25 November 2025 and was sentenced to 9 months imprisonment, suspended for 2 years, and ordered to pay £85 costs and a victim surcharge of £187. She will also be required to repay all the money she fraudulently received.

Councillor Nigel Wilkinson, East Riding of Yorkshire Council cabinet member for finance and governance said “Benefit fraud is not a victimless crime. It deprives services of vital funding needed to support our most vulnerable residents. The council will not tolerate abuse of the benefit system and those found to be cheating the system face the risk of being prosecuted and receiving a criminal record. Any fraud takes money away from other residents in need.”

Anyone who suspects benefit fraud is being committed in the East Riding area can report it in confidence by visiting 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.