Benefits - fraud investigation
Benefit fraud is a crime
Every year false benefit claims cost the country millions of
pounds - money that could be better spent on public services.
Rochdale Council is keen to ensure that prompt payment of
Housing and Council Tax Benefit is made to genuine claimants, but
is determined to prevent, detect and deter fraudulent benefit
claims.
How you can help us
- You can help make sure we pay the right benefit to those who
need it.
- If you claim benefits you can help us by telling us about any
change in your circumstances so we can ensure you are paid
correctly.
How to advise us about a possible Benefit fraud
If you think someone is claiming benefits that they may not be
entitled to, you can report it to us by email at
fraud.ct@rochdale.gov.uk or
alternatively by ringing our Benefit Fraud Hotline
on 0800 328 6340 or our local office on
01706 926100.
Benefit cheats
Benefit cheats are people who deliberately try to claim benefits
they are not entitled to, by giving false information or not
telling us when their circumstances change.
People who deliberately claim benefit when they are not entitled
are committing a criminal offence.
Benefit fraud
The following are examples of benefit fraud:
- People who are working but do not declare it when they claim
benefit.
- People who claim as a single person but actually live with a
partner.
- People who claim from an address but do not actually live
there.
- People who do not tell us the full amount of income, savings or
capital when they claim benefit.
Tackling benefit cheats
The following points show how we are tackling benefit
cheats.
- All information supplied with a benefit claim is checked.
- Information given to support a benefit claim may be shared with
other agencies.
- We will prosecute benefit cheats and recover any overpayment of
benefit.
- Our benefit investigation team will look into all suspicious
benefit claims.
Anti fraud strategy
If you would like to know more about the measures Rochdale
Council is taking against fraud, see our Anti Fraud Strategy.
Benefit Strategy to Combat fraud
This document details exactly what approach
has been taken by the authority to tackle what is potentially a
costly drain on public resources. This document is intended
for anyone with an interest in safeguarding the security of the
authority's benefits service. Please click on the link below to
view the document.
Anti-fraud organisation
Our investigation officers have access to various anti-fraud
organisations such as
Local
Authority Investigation Officers Group (LAIOG)
- Approximately 40 Local Authorities subscribe to LAIOG across
England, Scotland and Wales. The group aims to provide its members
with access to relevant information from Parliamentary sources, the
Department for Work and Pensions, Data Protection and the Benefit
Fraud Inspectorate.
Benefit Fraud Inspectorate
- The Benefit Fraud Inspectorate (BFI) was launched in November
1997 in response to widespread concerns about the estimated high
levels of fraud in the Social Security system. Their mission is to
maximise counter fraud performance and minimise the risk of fraud
throughout the Social Security system.
National Anti Fraud Network
(NAFN)
- The aim of the network is to make available a national
intelligence service to assist in deterring, detecting and
preventing fraud. It also aims to provide a regular source of
intelligence and focal points for Local Authorities on a wide range
of fraud related matters.