The amount of Benefit Fraud is estimated to be as much as £7
Billion pounds a year, which is equivalent to an extra £10 per week
to every pensioner in the country or a cut in the tax bill for
every taxpaying household in the country of nearly £500 a year.
Benefit Fraud is theft from the nation, theft from the taxpayer
and worst of all, theft from those people who are entitled to
benefit.
We are committed to protecting public funds through its action
on Benefit Fraud, ensuring that benefits are delivered to those who
have true entitlement to them.
The level of benefit fraud is unacceptable but to be successful,
any campaign to stop Benefit Fraud needs the help of the
public.
What can you do?
If you suspect someone of committing Benefit Fraud, you can
either:
- Contact the Fraud Investigation Unit, Copeland Borough
Council, The Copeland Centre, Catherine Steet, Whitehaven, Cumbria
CA28 7SJ.
- Ring our confidential telephone Hotline number on 0800 783 3878
where a member of the Investigation Team will take details of
your suspicions.
- Download the benefit report form, fill in the report
and send it to following address:
Fraud Investigation Unit, Copeland Borough Council, The Copeland
Centre, Catherine Steet, Whitehaven, Cumbria CA28 7SJ.
What happens when benefit fraud is suspected?
Benefit fraud is a criminal offence. If there is sufficient
evidence to show that the claimant is committing Benefit Fraud, the
Benefits Agency or Copeland Borough Council may prosecute the
offenders.
Do you think you are claiming benefit that you may not be
entitled to?
If so, please telephone the number for a confidential discussion
with a member of staff.
0800 783 3878