Housing and Council Tax Benefit - An Overview

We have a Benefits Anti-Fraud Team whose job is to investigate suspected HB/CTB fraud. The Team works with many other sections and organisations, such as the Department for Work & Pensions, Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs (HMRC) and the Police, in order to uncover a range of frauds from undeclared partners to multiple identities.

The Security Guidance has helped to prevent fraud, but there is a need to investigate those people who are determined to exploit the benefit system.

Only those people entitled to benefit are allowed to receive it. It is the council’s responsibility to ensure the benefit system is secure and that fraudulent claimants are identified and further action taken against them as necessary.

How does benefit fraud affect me?

We need to ensure that no false claims are made by people who are not entitled to benefits. Therefore when making a claim for Housing or Council Tax Benefit you are asked on the claim form to support your claim with the necessary evidence.

Any delay in supplying the evidence will mean a delay in payment to you. If you cannot supply any evidence asked for, please tell us why – don’t just leave it, as we cannot pay you until we are satisfied about your circumstances.

What happens once I am receiving benefits?

You are responsible for reporting any changes in your own, or your partners circumstances, or changes to people who live with you.