Report Benefit Fraud
Putting it simply, benefit fraud is theft..
Every year fraudulent benefit claims cost SLDC
thousands of pounds. This is money from the public purse that
could be better spent improving and maintaining services.
Fraudsters should beware. SLDC
Investigators identified over 40 cases that were considered
suitable for prosecution action during 2009/10 and over
£100,000 of benefit that had been either fraudulently or
incorrectly claimed. Sentences administered by courts included
imprisonment, fines and community penalties. Other action taken
included the offer of formal cautions and financial penalties.
Taking this action supports the Council’s policy of ensuring that
fraudsters are held accountable for their actions.
If you think it is easy to rip off the
Council, think again. We will act on any valid information
received from honest citizens to ensure benefits are being claimed
correctly. Remember, fraudsters are leaving the rest of us to
foot the bill. It isn’t fair, it isn’t right and it isn’t
legal.
SLDC is committed to ensuring that the correct
amount of Housing/Council Tax Benefit is paid to the right people,
at the right time. Honest Council Tax payers deserve and
expect nothing less.
Help us to help you, if you
suspect that someone on benefit:
- is working
- has not told the Council about other people living in the
house
- receives other income
- has not declared capital or savings
Call the confidential 24 hour Fraud
Hotline on 0800 3892330
Or email: benefitfraud@southlakeland.gov.uk
Or write to:
Investigations
Team
South Lakeland
House
Lowther
Street
Kendal
Cumbria
LA94UD
Remember: Fraudsters are living on
your money