SOUTH SOMERSET NEWS: Cracking down on benefit cheats – do you know any?

A NEW campaign has been launched to try and catch those who are cheating the benefits system and committing fraud.

Every year, thousands of pounds of your money is stolen by cheats who commit fraud; money that should be used to improve your local community.

Working in partnership with other local councils and housing providers in Somerset, South Somerset District Council is combating those who commit fraud. Together, the Somerset Tenancy Fraud Forum partnership wants to encourage people to report fraud throughout the county.

The Somerset fraud reporting website and hotline enables you to provide information on different types of fraud in one place rather than through multiple organisations.

The areas of fraud covered on the website include Benefit Fraud (Housing Benefit & Council Tax Support), Council Tax Fraud, Housing Tenancy Fraud, Housing Application Fraud and there is also a section for any other fraud you have information on.

South Somerset District Council’s finance and legal services spokesman, Cllr Peter Seib, said: “When people commit fraud, it takes money away from those truly in need meaning that less funds and resources are available for valuable public services, it drives up taxes and deprives honest people of much needed homes.

“The Somerset fraud website and hotline provides a confidential way for individuals to report those who are ‘cheating the system’ so that we can investigate and take the appropriate action to protect the public purse.

“Make sure you report any potential fraud quickly before the problem becomes a big one.”

If you know anyone who is claiming benefits but doing undeclared work, someone who has a council or housing association property and is not living in it or is renting it out to someone else without permission; or if you suspect or aware of bribery or fraud being committed by one of the council’s staff or councillors then tell South Somerset District Council about it by calling 01935-462462 or reporting it online at www.somersetfraud.org.uk. Your report will be treated in the strictest of confidence and can be given anonymously.

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