Benefit Fraud

Every year millions of pounds of taxpayer's money is stolen by Benefit fraudsters. This money could otherwise be spent on public services such as health and education.

The Council is committed to the prevention of fraud and error and works closely with the Single Fraud Investigation Service set up by the Department for Work and Pensions to investigate Housing Benefit Fraud as well as other welfare Benefits such as tax credits.

The Council will also identify fraud in the Council Tax Reduction Scheme and will carry out comprehensive enquiries, interviewing claimants and prosecuting offenders where appropriate.

Typical examples of fraud include

• People who work but do not declare this when they claim benefit
• People who claim as a single person but actually live with their partner
• People who claim from an address but do not actually live there
• People who not tell us about all of their income and savings when they claim benefit
• People who do not tell us about an increase in their earnings

If you know someone who may be claiming benefits fraudulently, please report it to us in one of the following ways:

• Report it to the Department for Work and Pensions
• Fraud Hotline (24 hr answerphone service) - 01495 766324
• Report Benefit Fraud

All information is treated in the strictest confidence and you may remain anonymous if you wish. Please give as much information as possible.