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What is Benefit Fraud?Benefit fraud is where people claim Housing and Council Tax Benefit and/or Social Security Benefits but have no right to claim
it.
The Council is keen to make prompt payments of Housing and Council Tax benefit to genuine claimants, but we are equally
keen to stamp out benefit fraud. There is a Fraud Section that is responsible for detection and investigation of fraudulent
claims.
The Council has adopted a strategy of dealing with Theft, Fraud and Corruption and a prosecution policy.
What types of fraud are there?
Typical examples of benefit fraud are:
- People who work but do not declare this when they claim benefit.
- People who claim as a single person but actually live with a partner.
- People who claim from an address but do not live there.
- People who do not tell us the full amount of income, savings or capital when they claim benefit.
- People who for any reason do not have any right to claim Housing Benefit or Council Tax benefit.
Does the Fraud Section have access to other Organisations?
The Investigation team has access to various anti-fraud organisations such as:
Local Authority Investigation Officers Group (LAIOG)
Approximately approximately 400 Local Authorities subscribe to the Local Authority Investigations Officers Group across England,
Scotland and Wales. The group aims to provide its members with access to information from Parliamentary sources, the Department
of Work and Pensions, Data Protection and the Benefit Fraud Inspectorate, which is relative to their fraud enquiries.
Visit LAIOG website
National Anti Fraud Network (NAFN)
The aim of the network is to make available a national intelligence service to assist in deterring, detecting and preventing
fraud. It also aims to provide a regular source of intelligence and focal points for Local Authorities on a wide range of
fraud related matters.
Visit NAFN website
How can I report suspected benefit fraud?
If you suspect someone is committing fraud against Wyre Forest District Council, please complete
on our online report form.
Alternatively you can ring the Benefit Fraud Hotline Service Telephone 01562 732658 and all calls are treated in absolute
confidence. The provision of as much information as possible would be appreciated.
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