AMBER VALLEY BOROUGH COUNCIL FRAUDLINE
Housing and Council Tax Benefit Fraud
Every year, fraudsters cost us billions in stolen benefits, money that could be much better spent on our schools, hospitals or fighting crime. It is your money and your services that are losing out!
Housing and Council Tax Benefit Fraud is a criminal offence, which the Council has a duty to investigate and which costs taxpayers money. It is therefore important that the information given when applying for Housing and Council Tax Benefit is correct and complete.
Amber Valley Borough Council actively investigates allegations of benefit fraud, and takes legal action against offenders.
Typical examples of benefit fraud are:
- People who work but do not declare this when they claim benefit. This includes people who have two or more part time jobs, but only declare one.
- People who claim as a single person but actually live with a partner.
- People who claim from an address but do not actually live there.
- People who do not tell us about all of their income, savings or capital when they claim benefit. (For example they have a pension from a former employer but they do not declare it, or they have two bank or building society accounts but only declare one).
People who claim help with rent for a property that they or their partner actually own. (Contrived liability).
If you know someone who you believe to be fraudulently claiming benefit, you can ring Amber Valley Borough Council's fraud investigators on 01773 841466 available 24 hours a day (answered by office staff 9am to 5pm, with an answering service at other times).
Alternatively you can write to the Council at our offices at Town Hall Ripley Derbyshire DE5 3WZ Any information you give will be treated with the strictest confidence, and you do not have to give your name if you wish to remain anonymous.
Please note that even if you refer a fraud to the Council we cannot update you on the progress of the investigation. However all referrals are recorded and receive the appropriate action.
Do you know someone who is falsely claiming benefit in the Amber Valley Borough Council Area?
If you do please inform the Benefit Investigation Unit
