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Benefit Fraud Service

Every year, it is estimated that benefit fraud costs the taxpayer around £2 billion in stolen benefits - public money taken from those who really need it. The total cost of this fraud is equivalent to £80 a year from each family in Great Britain.

The Council is committed to protecting the public funds with which it has been entrusted. The Benefit Fraud Service helps to minimise loss from benefit overpayments and fraudulent claims and works closely with Internal Audit to strengthen procedures and controls.

The primary function of the Benefit Fraud Service is to prevent, detect and investigate potential / suspected fraudulent claims for Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit in accordance with the Social Security Administration Act 1992, other legislative requirements and the Council's Anti-Benefit Fraud Strategy and Policy.