Mitcham woman admits £16,000 Universal Credit fraud
Jane Turner, 66, pleaded guilty to making a false statement to the DWP about her savings in 2018
Incident → evidence → outcomeA 66-year-old woman from Mitcham has admitted fraudulently claiming Universal Credit by concealing savings above the £16,000 threshold. Jane Turner, of Bennetts Close, pleaded guilty to making a false statement to the Department for Work and Pensions at Croydon Magistrates' Court on 7 August 2026.
The offence dates back to February 2018, when Turner declared she had no savings or investments exceeding £16,000. The DWP later established this statement was false. The case was reported by *This Is Local London* on 7 August 2026.
Next steps in the case
Turner was released on unconditional bail following her guilty plea. She is scheduled to return to Croydon Magistrates' Court for sentencing on 16 October 2026. The court will consider a pre-sentence report before determining the appropriate penalty.
The DWP has not disclosed the total amount of Universal Credit overpaid as a result of the false claim. It remains unclear whether Turner will be required to repay any funds before sentencing.
What this means for residents
Fraudulent benefit claims divert public funds from those who genuinely need support. The DWP routinely investigates discrepancies in savings and income declarations. Residents in Merton and across London can report suspected fraud anonymously through the DWP’s dedicated hotline or online portal.
Questions this report answers
01What did Jane Turner do wrong?
Jane Turner admitted making a false statement to the DWP in February 2018 by claiming she had no savings or investments over £16,000. This threshold affects eligibility for Universal Credit, and her statement was untrue.
02When will Jane Turner be sentenced?
Jane Turner will be sentenced at Croydon Magistrates' Court on 16 October 2026. A pre-sentence report will be prepared before the hearing, and all sentencing options remain open.
03What happens if someone lies about their savings to claim benefits?
Lying about savings or income to claim benefits is a criminal offence. It can result in prosecution, repayment of overpaid funds, and potential imprisonment. The DWP investigates such cases and can take legal action.
04How can residents report suspected benefit fraud?
Residents can report suspected benefit fraud anonymously to the DWP via its dedicated hotline or online portal. The DWP investigates all reports and takes action where fraud is confirmed.
Support is available without a police report
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