Faces of St Helens couple who fraudulently claimed £270k in benefits

Between 2018 and 2023, Angela Lloyd and Lee Phillips manipulated the benefits system by fabricating health conditions, impersonating carers, and concealing their living arrangements. Lloyd, 58, and Phillips, 54, appeared before Liverpool Crown Court where they admitted to multiple counts of fraud by false representation. This was following a joint-investigation by St Helens Borough Council and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

Lloyd claimed that her partner required around-the-clock care and submitted false documentation to support the claim, including using her sister-in-law's birth certificate to impersonate a carer. Despite declaring she was unable to work due to her caring responsibilities, Lloyd was employed under two false identities at a care home and for a retail position. Angela Lloyd (Image: Merseyside Police)

As a result, she received over GBP73,000 in direct payments intended for carers, and a further GBP753 in Carer's Allowance. In 2022, she also submitted a false claim for her son's medical needs, supported by a fictitious carer who had in fact passed away before the claim was submitted. Phillips contributed to the fraud by failing to disclose that Lloyd had moved into his home in Birch Gardens, Windlehurst, in 2018.

This allowed GBP15,000 in Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction by stating he lived alone. He also received more than GBP80,000 in Personal Independence Payments and Employment Support Allowance after declaring he was unfit for work and unable to care for himself. Lee Phillips (Image: Merseyside Police)

Lloyd's fraudulent activities also extended to West Lancashire Borough Council, where she submitted a housing benefit claim for a caravan located at a fabricated address in Southport back in February 2012. Lloyd, who has a long history of offences including theft and deception spanning over four decades, was sentenced to two years in prison. Phillips, who has one unrelated prior conviction, received a 20-month custodial sentence.

The couple were jailed at Liverpool Crown Court (Image: Stock) After the couple were jailed, Cllr Martin Bond, deputy leader of St Helens Borough Council and cabinet member for finance and governance, said: "This case highlights our no-tolerance policy to benefit fraud. "These actions not only undermine the integrity of the welfare system but also divert vital resources away from those who genuinely need support.

"We welcome the court's decision and hope it serves as a clear deterrent to others."

• Suspicions of fraud can be reported by calling the St Helens Borough Council Fraud Action Line on 0800 953 0217 or online at www.sthelens.gov.uk/fraud [1]

References

1. ^ www.sthelens.gov.uk/fraud (eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com)