Local Authorities have a statutory duty under Section 151 of the Local Government Finance Act 1972 to make arrangements for the proper administration of their Financial Affairs. Stratford-on-Avon District Council has arrangements in place that are designed to promote and ensure probity and propriety in the conduct of its business, including the risks of fraud and corruption, which are specifically considered.
This council has dedicated corporate fraud resources to address any issues arising across the spectrum of activity and actively seeks to identify fraudulent activity, encouraging a strong counter-fraud culture within the authority.
Our Aim
Through better prevention, effective deterrence and improving detection, work for you to P.R.O.T.E.C.T.
- Prevention of fraud
- Recovery of debt
- Optimising resources
- Trained professional staff
- Effective detection
- Conduct prompt enquiries
- Take positive action
We Will
- take positive action to minimise the level of fraud and error by continuously reviewing and improving our systems and working practices
- reduce the scope for those who deliberately set out to defraud the council, and public funds, both internally and externally
- work together with the Department for Work and Pensions and other Agencies to effectively combat the effects of fraud
- ensure that our staff are adequately trained to make them aware of the risks of fraud and error and encourage them to voice any suspicions
- take positive action to investigate thoroughly all cases where irregularities are suspected
- provide a confidential counter-fraud hotline to enable people to report suspicions of benefit fraud
- conduct all investigations and interviews fairly and consistently and in line with the relative legislation
- when fraud is proven, make full use of sanctions, including prosecutions
- recover all fraudulently overpaid housing benefits
- aim to obtain maximum publicity for successful prosecutions as a deterrent to others who may consider defrauding the benefit system
We Know
That most applicants are honest, and we want to protect these claims. We have a legal responsibility to prevent fraud from taking place and to take appropriate action when it does.
What next?
If you suspect anyone of involvement in fraud or corruption you can call the council's confidential fraud hotline on 01789 260486 or email fraud@stratford-dc.gov.uk.
Or for Housing Benefit only:
