Two local residents have been found guilty of benefits fraud, having claimed disability support from Lambeth Council and the Government for almost 20 years.

Emmanuel Bay, 68, and Nancy Bay, 67, were found guilty on March 6 at Inner London Crown Court after a four-week trial in which their charge sheet consisted of 21 offences.

Suspicions arose after officers from adult social care at Lambeth Council visited Emmanuel, of Sudbourne Road, in Brixton, as part of a routine review of his claim.

The offences, which took place between 1999 and 2018, include fraudulent claims for Direct Payments in the name of Emanuel Bay. Direct Payments, provided by local authorities, allow people with disabilities to source their own care.

Bay failed to disclose that he had recovered from illness, and failed to declare the purchase of three properties in Brixton, each of which removed his entitlement to support. Nancy Bay also purchased two properties during the period of the claim.

In addition to large sums he received through Direct Payments, Bay also received payments from the Independent Living Fund and Department for Work and Pensions.

The total loss to the public purse is estimated at £1 million.

Sentencing will take place on March 30.