Strategic Aims of the Benefit Fraud Team

Benefits and Benefit Fraud Service - Statement of Intent

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead is committed to maximising the prevention and detection of Benefit Fraud, developing lasting relationships with colleagues, citizens and service partners to provide an holistic approach to Benefit Fraud and promote a borough wide anti fraud culture, treating all offenders in an equal, proportionate and justifiable manner, in line with the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Prosecution Policy

How We Will Achieve Our Vision and Aims

In order to support our vision and aims and assist us in achieving their achievement, a number of strategies, policies and working practices have been devised in relation to Benefit Fraud investigations, as follows:

Benefit Fraud Strategy and Policy

The Authority's Benefit Fraud Policy represents a commitment by the Council to implement a robust Benefit Fraud Strategy in order to protect public funds and to ensure that benefits are delivered to those who have a true entitlement to them. The Strategy outlines the mechanisms whereby the Council will deliver the above commitment to its citizens. Cabinet approved both these documents on 31 May 2007.

Benefit Fraud Prosecution Policy

Where a claimant of Housing Benefit and/or Council Tax Benefit has been accused of committing a fraud against the Council and the Benefit Fraud Investigation Team have enough evidence to sustain a prosecution, then the Council will consider whether it is in the public and/or Council interest to undertake the prosecution or serve a sanction. The Council's Prosecution Policy, approved by Cabinet on 31 May 207, states that the Council will take strong measures and apply a number of sanctions, including prosecution in appropriate cases, against those who commit fraud. The Prosecution Policy sets out the criteria under which a potential fraudster may be prosecuted or offered another form of sanction.

Sanctions Panel

In order to protect the interests of the Authority and those involved with undertaking benefit fraud investigations, it is imperative that the action taken in respect of investigating potentially fraudulent claims is appropriate to the circumstances of the case and that the application of any sanctions is consistent and in accordance with the Council's Prosecution Policy.

In July 2003, a Sanctions Panel was established to provide independent scrutiny of the action proposed to be taken in respect of cases being investigated and, where appropriate, the sanctions to be applied.

Other

In addition to setting up the policies, strategies and procedures, the following are in the process of being or have been put in place to assist the team in achieving its vision.

• Comprehensive procedures for the Team to support the policies and strategies outlined above to ensure that there is consistency when dealing with fraudulent claims, undertaking investigations and administering sanctions
• Regular performance monitoring reviews will be undertaken to ensure a continuous review of performance against these procedures and national and local performance indicators
• A Benefit Fraud Support Officer will provide day-to-day support to the Team
• There will be engagement with stakeholders to measure and improve the service we provide
• Technology will be used to improve the service where possible
• Good working relationships will be developed and maintained with our stakeholders - internal and external to the Authority.

How do you rate this information/service?