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Counter fraud

We take fraud and corruption very seriously. All instances of potential fraud or corruption that are reported to us are investigated rigorously and promptly, and appropriate action is taken.

We encourage anyone who is concerned about possible fraud or corruption concerning the council, its partners or wholly-owned companies, to report it by calling 01636 650000.

Counter fraud strategies and policies

You can find out in detail how we aim to tackle fraud and corruption by reading our anti-fraud and corruption strategy (PDF File, 658kb).

Our whistle blowing policy (PDF File, 116kb) explains how we aim to maintain a working environment where people are able to raise concerns if they think there is misconduct or malpractice.

Our anti money laundering policy (PDF File, 914kb) explains how we prevent the council from being exposed to money laundering.

Benefit fraud

We're keen to ensure that benefits are correctly paid to those who have a true entitlement to them, but a firm stance is taken against those who abuse the system. Benefit fraud is a serious matter and a drain on public funds.

Typical examples of benefit fraud are people who:

  • work but do not declare this when claiming benefits
  • fail to declare other forms of income when claiming benefits
  • claim as a single person but actually live with a partner
  • claim benefit for an address where they are not living
  • fail to declare their capital or savings when claiming benefits

If you suspect that someone you know is claiming housing or council tax support to which they are not entitled you can:

You should give as much detailed information as you can. You do not have to provide your name or address.

We will be involved in investing any cases in our area and you can find out more about how we do this in our housing benefit anti-fraud strategy (PDF File, 224kb) and how we deal with perpetrators in our housing benefit prosecution policy (PDF File, 170kb).

Identity fraud

Your identity and personal information are valuable. Criminals can find out your personal details and use them to open bank accounts and get credit cards, loans, state benefits and documents such as passports and driving licences in your name. You can find more information on how to protect your identity on the Action Fraud website.

National Fraud Initiative

The National Fraud Initiative is an exercise run by the Cabinet Office, matching electronic data between the public and private sector to detect fraud.

Data matching involves comparing computer records, usually containing personal information, held by one body against other computer records held by the same or another body to see how far they match.

We're required in this data matching exercise to assist in the prevention and detection of fraud locally and nationally.

Find our more about the National Fraud Initiative and learn about how your data will be treated on the Government's website.

For further information on the data matching exercise at Newark and Sherwood District Council, please contact us.