Runnymede Borough Council Anti-Fraud and Prosecution Policies

Our Vision Statement for the Benefits Service states that:

Runnymede Borough Council is committed to providing an efficient, effective and secure Benefits service that meets the needs of our customers at all times.

We have a clear policy to deter and prevent Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit fraud and to prosecute those who abuse the system. We aim to pay benefits quickly and accurately, and only to those who are entitled. Fraud will not be tolerated and we will take firm action against people defrauding or attempting to defraud the system.

Up to the end of July 2008, the Council has successfully prosecuted 51 offenders and issued 90 cautions. We also recover the money these people have claimed fraudulently. In addition, we have issued five Administrative Penalties where offenders have to pay an extra 30% on top of the amount they have received wrongly and have to repay.

Reporting a Suspected Fraud

Do you know that someone is claiming Housing Benefit and/or Council Tax Benefit and they should not be entitled to it?

If you want to report a suspected fraud please call our free 24 hour

FRAUD HOTLINE 08000 130814

or email us at: fraud@runnymede.gov.uk or complete our on-line "Report a Suspected Fraud" form.

It would be helpful if you could leave your contact details but you are under no obligation to do so. Any information given to us will be treated with the utmost confidentiality and we will not reveal your name to anyone.

There is a National Fraud Hotline on which you can report other suspected state benefit frauds. This line is open 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday:

0800 328 6340 (freephone)

0800 328 6341 (textphone for the hard of hearing)

Or write to them at:

PO Box 647, Preston PR1 1WA