Council achieves huge savings as fraudsters rooted out

The council has recovered hundreds of thousands of pounds after successful investigations into fraudsters.

Thanks to the council’s fraud investigation team £350,000 has been recouped over the last 12 months.

Nearly half of the cash recovered came from fraudulent housing benefit and council tax support claims and over £50,000 after successful investigations into the creation of false business rate bills.

Wrongful claims for blue badge parking permits for the disabled and business rate reductions were just some of the other fraudulent acts exposed by the investigators.

Rooting out benefit fraud helps to protect funding for vital public services and benefits for people who are entitled to them.

The proactive and diligent work of the council’s counter fraud team saw countless benefit cheats successfully investigated and sanctioned. Results included the handing out of financial penalties and prosecutions.

Over 250 people across the borough were investigated for dishonest claims in the last year, with 82% of those found to be defrauding the council. Punishments included prosecutions, cautions and fines.

Councillor Allen Brett, leader of the council, said: “Hardworking taxpayers are sick of a criminal minority trying to make a quick buck by flouting the rules.

"These prosecutions send a clear message that we simply will not tolerate anyone who tries to rip off the council. Our zero tolerance approach means that if you are trying to cheat the system we will find you and we will take action. I would like to congratulate council officers for recouping this cash, ensuring it can be spent where it matters most on protecting our stretched frontline services.”

How to report a fraud

Anyone wishing to report somebody they believe is defrauding the council, can do so by:-
Telephone: 01706 926100
Email: fraud.ct@rochdale.gov.uk
Address: Counter Fraud Team, Finance Services, PO Box 490, Rochdale OL16 9AJ

Housing Benefit fraud

Housing Benefit fraud is now investigated by the Department for Work and Pensions. Anyone wishing to report somebody they believe is falsely claiming Housing Benefit should report it to:

The DWP National Benefit Fraud helpline
PO Box 224,
Preston,
PR1 1GP,
Tel: 0800 854440 (textphone 0800 328 0512)