Benefit fraud

We have a dedicated fraud team who investigate cases of suspected benefit fraud and pursue the recovery of fraudulent benefit overpayments.

Anti-fraud policy

Our anti-fraud policy aims to protect public funds and ensure that benefits are delivered to those who have a true entitlement to them. Where there is enough evidence, we will prosecute benefit cheats.

Action on fraudulent overpayment of benefit

Where a claimant of housing benefit or council tax benefit has been accused of committing a fraud against the Council and investigation staff have enough evidence to sustain a prosecution, then that should be the normal outcome. A successful prosecution may lead to a prison sentence. There are other options to prosecution.

Caution

A formal caution is an oral or written warning issued by us for a benefits offence. It would normally be in written format, signed by the person it is believed committed an offence, clearly stating that they admit the offence and accept a caution. Refusal to accept a caution can lead to a prosecution.

Administrative penalty

An administrative penalty is a financial penalty amounting to 30% of the gross adjudicated overpayment. It can be offered as an alternative to prosecution (for example, for a first time offence).

If the the administrative penalty is refused, the offence should be considered prosecution.

Report suspected fraud