01202 451536

People claiming benefits fraudulently are taking money from those who are in genuine need and from every tax payer in this country.

As well as referrals internally from assessment officers, the public are a vital source of information for the Fraud Team.

If you know of or suspect someone of claiming benefits which they are not entitled to, please advise the benefits office. You can do this easily and in confidence by writing to the benefits office or by calling the 'Fraud Hotline' which has been set up within the Benefits Office.

By ringing a dedicated number, which is 01202 451536, members of the public can pass on information with regard to people that they think are defrauding the benefits system.

This number is manned during normal Office hours but is also available outside of Office hours in the form of an answer phone. All information is treated in the utmost confidence and as much detail as possible should be given.

Joint Working/Liason with the Department for Work & Pensions

The Investigations Team works closely with their opposite numbers in the Department for Work & Pensions as a lot of allegations involve both Housing/Council Tax Benefit and Social Security administered benefits, particularly Income Support and Income Based Job Seekers Allowance. The exchange of information between the Offices is very important when carrying out enquiries. A joint exercise can very often have positive results that individual investigations would not.

National Benefit Fraud Hotline

As well as contacting The Council's Benefit office you can also report a fraud via the National Benefit Fraud Hotline, which you may have seen advertised on television, on 0800 854 440, lines are open 7am to 11pm, 7 days a week.

Targeting Benefit Thieves

For further information on the Governments 'Targeting Benefit Thieves' campaign you can visit the 'Targeting Benefit Thieves' website at www.dwp.gov.uk/campaigns/benefit-thieves/ . You can also report a suspected fraud online from the 'Targeting Benefit Thieves' website by filling in a secure & confidential online form. If you wish to do this please click this link - Report a Benefit Cheat Online.