A Barrhead woman stole from the public purse when she claimed more Carer’s Allowance than what she was entitled too.
Allison Rankin, 51, failed to tell the Department of Work and Pensions that she took on more hours at work – subsequently earning more money than the benefit threshold allows.
Rankin, of Bourock Square admitted between August 15, 2015 and March 31, 2019, she failed to notify the DWP of a change in her circumstances which she knew would affect her entitlement to Carer’s Allowance benefit.
Don't miss the latest headlines from around Renfrewshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
Procurator fiscal depute Jason Stark told Paisley Sheriff Court: “Between December 2, 2013 and March 31, 2019, the accused claimed Carer’s Allowance.
“Rankin made a declaration to declare her earnings and payments were paid into her bank account.
“A carer’s letter was issued by the DWP each year to advise of weekly earning limits and to notify them of any relevant change of circumstances.
“The DWP received real-time information referring to the earnings of the accused where in excess of the prescribed limit.
“She was invited to an interview on April 25, 2019.
“She admitted she was in receipt of Carer’s Allowance but couldn’t remember reading the declaration due to the passage of time but was aware her earnings had to be reported.
“A report was submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.”
Defence agent Michael McKeown told the court Rankin has always accepted her responsibility in this case and has been making payments to the DWP.
Mr McKeown said: “This was a failure to notify of her income.
“She took on some extra hours and her income increased.
“She was still a carer and still is a carer today.
“A payment plan with the DWP was arranged before this prosecution and she has been paying £50 back per month for the last two years.”
Sentencing, Sheriff Sheena Fraser said: “You’ll appreciate these are public funds paid over for specific reasons and you failed to comply with regulations.
“The amount you obtained over the years was substantial so this is a serious offence.
“However, I am told you have been replaying this money for a number of years.”
Sheriff Fraser deferred sentencing for Rankin to be of good behaviour and to continue making payments to the DWP.
Rankin will return to court on January 9, 2023 for sentencing.
Download the FREE Renfrewshire Live app now for all the latest news, features and sport in your area. Available on both Android and Apple. Download here: smarturl.it/RenfrewLiveSocial
