Benefit Fraud
Hand holding a miniature house.
Benefit fraud costs the country millions of pounds each year. As benefits are paid from public funds this has a direct effect on the amount of taxes that you pay. In other words these people are stealing from you.
Fraud Housing/Council Tax Benefit
Here are some basic facts about the benefits that Fylde Borough Council administers, a general overview of benefit fraud and how you can report suspected fraud.
Why bother?
Benefit fraud costs the country millions of pounds each year. As benefits are paid from public funds this has a direct effect on the amount of taxes that you pay. In other words these people are stealing from you.
What are Housing & Council Tax Benefits?
These are income-related benefits ('means tested') to help genuine claimants with their housing costs such as rent and Council Tax, but not mortgages. Claimants on low incomes or in receipt of other benefits may qualify for help. Claimants must apply by way of a claim form. All claimants have a duty to report any change in their circumstances during the claim period.
Fraud Types
There are two specific categories of fraud that are usually committed:
- A false claim from the outset
- Failure to advise the Council of changes that effect their entitlement
Below is a list of some specific fraud types that are encountered:
- Failure to declare paid work
- Failure to declare a private pension.
- Failure to declare capital/savings.
- Failure to declare other benefits.
- Contrived/false tenancy.
- Landlord involvement in fraud.
- Failure to declare a resident partner.
- Cheque fraud/forgery.
- Identity fraud.
- Non-residence at claim address
The Council's Mission Statement
The Council will apply appropriate sanctions against persons who have committed benefit fraud as an essential element of an effective anti-fraud strategy. By this means the Council seeks to underline its determination to combat benefit fraud, deter potential fraudsters and encourage members of the public to raise concerns about suspect claims.
To combat fraud the Council has:
- Developed a comprehensive anti-fraud strategy.
- Established a fully trained and professional investigation team.
- Adopted a prosecution (sanctions) policy.
- Embarked on several joint working initiatives to combat fraud
What can you do?
Report any suspected fraud to the Council's investigation team. The more detail we have the better the chance of a successful conclusion to the investigation. How to contact us
Please give as much detail as possible.
