Former East Riding resident sentenced for £51,000 benefit fraud

A former Pollington woman has been sentenced after admitting to fraudulently claiming benefits totalling £51,224.60, between January 2020 and January 2023.

Pauline Ellam formerly of Pollington, Goole, East Yorkshire, pleaded guilty to offences of benefit fraud relating to her claims for council tax support, housing benefit and employment support allowance.

The fraud was 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.

She appeared before Leeds Crown Court on Friday 15 May 2026 and was sentenced to 29 months imprisonment, suspended for 2 years, and ordered to undertake 15 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days.

Ellam is also required to repay all the money she fraudulently received. Furthermore, Proceeds of Crime Act proceedings are ongoing to ensure that she 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.”

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.