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Herefordshire Council is determined to crack down on benefit fraud and taking a leaf out of the Crimewatch book has enlisted the help of the local community.
A large proportion of the Council’s fraud referrals are from local people who are fed up with others cheating the benefit system.
With the continued help and support of the community Herefordshire Council intends to carry on making life difficult for people who claim benefit they know they’re not entitled to.
Since 1 April the Council has investigated 247 fraud allegations. This has led to 19 sanctions being issued and 20 cases successfully prosecuted with a further 18 cases pending.
This has resulted in over £60,000 of fraudulent overpayments to be recovered from the fraudsters.
If you suspect anyone of benefit fraud contact the benefit fraud hotline on freephone number 0800 592953 or write to the Benefit Investigation Unit, Town Hall, St Owens Street, Hereford, HR1 2PJ.
Where fraud has been proven the Council also attempts to prevent further fraudulent claims by applying sanctions against the claimant.
Sanctions open to the Council include administrative penalties. An administrative penalty would cost the fraudster an additional 30% of the fraudulent overpayment. In more serious cases the Council looks to prosecute every time.
“We take benefit fraud very seriously. This is not a victimless crime, people who claim benefit they know they’re not entitled to are not only taking money that isn’t theirs but leaving less money in the pot for legitimate claimants,” said Ian Hyson, County Treasurer.
“We’re very grateful to all our local fraud-watchers, without their help many of these fraudulent claims would not have been brought to our attention,” he added.
However, Herefordshire Council actively encourages people who are entitled to benefits to claim.
For more information about benefits visit the Council’s website, www.herefordshire.gov.uk and use the online calculator to find out if you would qualify for benefit.
FRAUDSTERS BEWARE!
Herefordshire Council is determined to crack down on benefit fraud and taking a leaf out of the Crimewatch book has enlisted the help of the local community.
A large proportion of the Council’s fraud referrals are from local people who are fed up with others cheating the benefit system.
With the continued help and support of the community Herefordshire Council intends to carry on making life difficult for people who claim benefit they know they’re not entitled to.
Since 1 April the Council has investigated 247 fraud allegations. This has led to 19 sanctions being issued and 20 cases successfully prosecuted with a further 18 cases pending.
This has resulted in over £60,000 of fraudulent overpayments to be recovered from the fraudsters.
If you suspect anyone of benefit fraud contact the benefit fraud hotline on freephone number 0800 592953 or write to the Benefit Investigation Unit, Town Hall, St Owens Street, Hereford, HR1 2PJ.
Where fraud has been proven the Council also attempts to prevent further fraudulent claims by applying sanctions against the claimant.
Sanctions open to the Council include administrative penalties. An administrative penalty would cost the fraudster an additional 30% of the fraudulent overpayment. In more serious cases the Council looks to prosecute every time.
“We take benefit fraud very seriously. This is not a victimless crime, people who claim benefit they know they’re not entitled to are not only taking money that isn’t theirs but leaving less money in the pot for legitimate claimants,” said Ian Hyson, County Treasurer.
“We’re very grateful to all our local fraud-watchers, without their help many of these fraudulent claims would not have been brought to our attention,” he added.
However, Herefordshire Council actively encourages people who are entitled to benefits to claim.
For more information about benefits visit the Council’s website, www.herefordshire.gov.uk and use the online calculator to find out if you would qualify for benefit.