Reporting fraud and how we deal with it

Housing Benefit fraud

Housing Benefit fraud includes: 

Failing to declare income from employment, a student loan or bursary, occupational pensions or tax credits 
Not declaring savings, investments or property you own
Not living at the property when you say you do
Claiming in more than one identity
Not declaring that you are living with a partner who is working
Declaring that you are living on your own when you are living with a partner
Falsifying the details of your pay
Failing to declare a private or occupational pension
Claiming Housing Benefit on a property that you own.

If you receive housing benefit, you must tell us about any changes in your circumstances.

You can report housing benefit fraud on the Government’s website

Report fraud by phone

If you suspect or know someone is committing fraud, phone our fraud hotline, 0800 052 2420. If you wish to report Council Tax fraud you should ring 0800 854 440.

Prosecuting fraudsters

Where we have enough evidence and it’s in the public interest we will look to prosecute those found to have committed fraud against the Council. We will also where appropriate look to recover money and assets under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.