Angela Elizabeth Clare, a 45-year-old woman from Abersychan, Gwent, has been ordered to repay £13,176 within three months after fraudulently claiming benefits while engaging in pole dancing and yoga instruction. The case, heard at Cardiff Crown Court on September 20, 2024, highlights the ongoing issue of benefit fraud in the UK, which costs the government an estimated £2.3 billion annually.
Clare accumulated £28,000 in benefits between 2016 and 2022, including Personal Independence Payment, Employment and Support Allowance, and housing benefit. These benefits were initially claimed legitimately. However, she failed to notify authorities when her health improved sufficiently to participate in physically demanding activities.
Evidence presented in court revealed a stark contrast between Clare's benefit claims and her actual capabilities. In April 2024, she stated she was unable to cook, required assistance with washing, and needed constant monitoring for medication. Meanwhile, social media platforms showcased videos of Clare performing complex pole dancing moves and offering yoga instruction services.
The court heard that Clare charged £60 for beginner yoga classes, significantly higher than the UK average of £10-15 per session. This activity, along with her pole dancing, directly contradicted her claims of limited physical ability.
Further complicating the case, Clare failed to report a £30,000 win from the People's Postcode Lottery in 2021. The lottery, launched in the UK in 2005, requires winners to report significant changes in their financial circumstances if they are receiving benefits.
Clare pleaded guilty to two counts of dishonestly failing to notify the Department for Work and Pensions and Torfaen Council of changes in her circumstances. Her defense cited underlying medical conditions and mental health issues, emphasizing her previous good character and efforts to repay some of the benefits.
Recorder Robin Rouch sentenced Clare to 18 weeks imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, and ordered her to attend a 10-day rehabilitation activity. This sentence aligns with the UK's approach to rehabilitation, introduced in 2014, which aims to reduce reoffending rates.
This case serves as a reminder of the importance of accurately reporting changes in circumstances to benefit authorities. It also highlights the evolving nature of fraud detection, with social media playing an increasingly significant role in uncovering discrepancies between claims and reality.
"She is utterly ashamed by what she had done."
As the UK continues to grapple with benefit fraud, cases like Clare's underscore the need for vigilance and honesty within the welfare system, which has been a cornerstone of British society since its establishment in 1942 as part of the Beveridge Report.