Stop benefit fraud

What is Benefit Fraud?

Sometimes people who claim benefit do not give the correct details, either to get more benefit or to reduce the amount of rent or council tax they pay.

When you claim benefit the law says you must tell us where you have a change in personal or financial circumstances. Again, some people do not tell us about these changes. This can be for a number of reasons but sometimes to continue to get benefit they would not be entitled to.

People who make false claims or do not tell us of changes when they happen, will not only repay any overpaid benefit but may also be prosecuted for offences under the Social Security Administration Act or the Theft Act.

Current Government figures estimate the amount of fraud in the welfare system runs into billions of pounds each year.

What types of fraud do people commit?

The types of fraud relating to Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit can include the following:

  • Living together Fraud. This is where people claim benefit as a single person when in fact they are living with a partner
  • Not giving details of all their income or capital
  • False or contrived tenancies. This is where landlords and tenants get together to create tenancies solely to take advantage of the Benefit Scheme
  • Non-Residence. Where claims are made from an empty property
  • Non-dependant and lodgers. Where claimants do not give details of other people who live at their address

These are only some of the types of fraud which may be committed. It should also be remembered that all types of people, including pensioners and people with disabilities, do commit benefit fraud.

What are we doing to tackle fraud?

We have a team dedicated to identifying fraud in the Housing and Council Tax Benefit system. Fraud, corruption and theft against the council cost all of us money. This money would be better spent on improving the services that we provide.

Between April 2008 and March 2009 the Council successfully prosecuted 22 people for offences relating to Benefit fraud. A further 19 people were offered formal cautions or financial penalties as an alternative to prosecution.

What can I do about fraud?

If you think someone is making a false claim or giving wrong details, please tell us. Any information you give will be treated in the strictest confidence.

We have a dedicated telephone line that you can call and you don't need to leave your name. You will need to give the name and address of the person you think is claiming fraudulently and as much detail about the fraud as possible. We will ask you for certain information, which you can find out about on our making a referral page.

 

Stonewall, Gay and Lesbian Charity - opens in a new window Beacon Authority logo Investor in People logo