Benefit Fraud

We treat fraud very seriously and will look into any allegations that we receive.

There are many types of Benefit and Council Tax Support Fraud but the main ones are listed below.

You will be committing fraud if you make a false statement or knowingly fail to tell us about

• Money you receive and changes to it
• Money held in bank accounts, savings and investments and changes to them
• The people living in your household
• A change in circumstances

To report a change in circumstances, you can download a form  Change of Circumstances (PDF) [292KB]  , request a form or pick one up at our Customer Contact Area offices.

How do I report a suspected fraud?

You can report a suspected fraud by

• Completing the online fraud referral form

• Calling the Freephone Hotline on 0800 002 008 if you suspect someone is committing Council Tax Support Fraud

• Calling the National Benefit Hotline on 0800 854 440 for suspected Housing Benefit Fraud

What action is taken against fraud?

Benefit Fraud is a serious offence which

• Is punishable by law
• Can lead to a criminal conviction in court and a criminal record
• May result in costs, penalties and the repayment of any overpayment

We have a Code of Practice for officers who carry out investigations.

Council Tax Support Fraud Investigation - Transparency data.

• Total number of Council Tax Support fraud investigations conducted in 2018/2019 was 62. Of these 62 cases 47  sanctions were imposed.

• Total number of professionally accredited counter fraud specialists in 2019/2019 was 1.

This authority is under a duty to protect the public funds it administers, and to this end may use the information you provide for the prevention and detection of fraud. It may also share this information with other bodies responsible for auditing or administering public funds for these purposes. For further information, click on the link here