Fraud has an impact on the level of Council Tax, the level of Income Tax and the level of resources available to share amongst our community. Those found breaking the law face a criminal record.
The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) recognises that each pound lost to fraud represents a loss to the public purse, and reduces the ability of the public sector to provide services to people who need them.
According to the Annual Fraud Indicator 2013, fraud costs the public at least £20.6bn annually, and of this total £2.6bn is specifically in local government.
It was highlighted that the three greatest areas of perceived fraud risks are:
- Procurement
- Council tax
- Social care
If you think someone is committing fraud against the council, or if you have evidence of corruption or other wrongdoing, please tell us.
Report benefit fraud
You can report suspected benefit fraud to the Department for Work and Pensions:
Report other fraud
You can report other suspected fraud to the Shared Anti Fraud Service (SAFS):
Examples of other fraud that may affect us or our customers:
- Blue badge misuse
- False claims or misuse of council grants
- Contract fraud
- Tenancy fraud
You can also report fraud by email to: Fraud.Team@hertfordshire.gov.uk or telephone 0300 123 4033.
SAFS is a partnership of councils across Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire with the aim to reduce fraud and the risk of fraud through awareness, training and investigation.
If you have been a victim of Fraud yourself you can report this to Action Fraud.