A woman who defrauded Elmbridge Council out of thousands of pounds worth of tax benefits by secretly renting out rooms in her house has been fined.

Carolyn Gumpert, 50, who lived in East Molesey, falsely claimed a single person’s discount from her council tax bill, amounting to £868.91 after she told the council that she was the only adult living in her property.

She eventually claimed £1,811.11 in council tax benefits after she rented out her rooms to tenants, despite receiving the single person’s discount.

Mrs Gumpert, who now lives in Addlestone, pleaded guilty to offences under the Fraud Act 2006 on September 15 at Redhill Magistrates' Court and was ordered to pay a fine of £100 for fraudulently receiving the single person’s discount, and £150 for dishonestly claiming council tax benefit.

She was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £25 and a contribution of £400 towards the council’s costs.

Councillor James Browne, cabinet member for housing, said: "Whilst the overwhelming majority of those claiming discount and support on their council tax are honest, I hope this case serves as a reminder that the council will take firm action against those who claim financial help to which they are not entitled."

Elmbridge Council has asked members of the public to report suspected benefit fraud by contacting the council’s confidential fraud hotline on 01372 474291.