A woman who falsely claimed she was a permanent wheelchair user requiring significant daily care has been sentenced following a joint investigation by the Royal Borough of Greenwich and Bromley Council.
On Friday 4 September, 57-year-old Tracy Stratton, of Beaconsfield Road, Mottingham, was sentenced to a 24-month Community Punishment Order at Woolwich Crown Court for making fraudulent claims.
Suspicions were first raised in September 2019. Surveillance carried out by council investigators showed that Ms Stratton could walk unaided, travel independently on public transport, shop without assistance and carry heavy objects. Investigators also saw no carer visiting or assisting her.
Several people whom Ms Stratton had named as carers were interviewed. They confirmed they had never provided care or received any money for assisting her. Investigators also found that Ms Stratton had listed herself as a carer under a different name.
Following a full investigation, the council and Bromley Council jointly charged Ms Stratton with 12 counts of fraud by false representation committed between 2010 and March 2023, resulting in losses exceeding £58,000.
Ms Stratton pleaded guilty in July 2026 and was sentenced to a 24-month Community Order, including 25 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days and a 12-month Mental Health Treatment Requirement. She was also ordered to pay £4,177.84 in compensation, £800 in prosecution costs and a £90 victim surcharge.
Councillor Rachel Taggart-Ryan, Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources, said: “Fraud against the council is not a victimless crime. Every pound dishonestly claimed is money taken away from residents who genuinely depend on vital care and support.
This conviction sends a clear warning. If you attempt to defraud the Royal Borough of Greenwich, our investigators will follow the evidence, work with our partners and take action through the courts. We will not hesitate to pursue those who abuse public funds for personal gain.”
If you suspect someone of committing fraud against the Royal Borough of Greenwich, please call 0800 169 6975 or email fraud@royalgreenwich.gov.uk. Any information you give will be treated in confidence.