Felixstowe woman Sophie Senski fined and handed suspended sentence after council tax fraud

A 24-year-old woman from Felixstowe has been handed a hefty fine and a suspended prison sentence after fraudulently claiming a reduction in her council tax.

Sophie Senski, formerly of Coastguard Walk, appeared before Ipswich Crown Court for sentencing on June 6.

She admitted failing to declare that another adult was living with her, failing to declare another adult in the household when claiming for council tax support and council tax reduction, and failing to declare she held capital above the £16,000 limit when claiming for council tax reduction in April.

This allowed her to pocket a 25 per cent council tax reduction from living alone.

In total, she was overpaid by £3,643.20 in council tax support and £2,080.45 in single person discount.

The case was brought against Senski by Anglia Revenues Partnership and East Suffolk Council.

Senski was handed a 36 week prison sentence, suspended for two years plus 25 days of rehabilitation.

She was also ordered to pay £1,200 towards prosecution costs and a £154 victim surcharge.

In addition, she must undertake 100 hours of unpaid work.

A spokeswoman for East Suffolk Council said it was important that any changes to a household, such as a partner moving in or leaving, were reported.

“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.”