South Hams District Council has a dedicated fraud section.

Each year the Government expects each Local Authority to identify and prevent Housing Benefit fraud. This is done by setting targets for all Authorities, with penalties for those that do not achieve them.

For Local Authorities there are Government incentives to encourage the prosecution of fraudulent claimants.

These factors mean that pursuing fraudulent claims can cut the overall cost of Benefit Administration in the South Hams and therefore help to keep the Council Tax down.

Do you know someone who is committing fraud?

They could be claiming Housing or Council Tax Benefit. Taking in a lodger or partner whilst claiming as a single person, working without declaring employment.

There are many ways people try to defraud the system, falsely claiming money they are not entitled to. Ultimately the taxpayer pays, and genuine claimants do not get as much help as they could.

We can stop them, with your help.

We have a fraud-line where you can anonymously give information about any fraudulent claimant - we will investigate every report to its full conclusion;

Suspect someone's committing benefit fraud?

Call our 24 hour Benefit Fraud Line on (01803) 861282

South Hams District Council is committed to protecting the public purse. It has an anti-fraud policy that enables the Revenue and Benefits service to ensure an equitable and consistent approach to the prevention of fraudulent claims in the public's best interest.

When a claimant has committed fraud against the Council, and there is enough evidence to sustain a prosecution, we will consider if it is the public interest to prosecute and will do so in appropriate circumstances. An administrative penalty or a caution may be considered as an alternative.

We will seek to recover all overpaid benefit from false claims in any event.