More than £40,000 recovered in council tax fraud in Cheltenham
Cheltenham Borough Council’s counter fraud enforcement unit reported its successes at a recent audit committee meeting.
The counter fraud team at Cheltenham Borough Council secured an £42,594 in council tax revenue after reviewing single person discount claims.
They also identified £3,909 of recoverable council tax support, and applied one criminal sanction of £482 for fraud in relation to the reduction scheme.
The team also prevented a loss of £347,450 in relation to a right to buy claim and terminated three tenancies resulting in the return of the property to the council housing stock.
The council also secured a successful prosecution for a fraudulent housing application resulting in a fine of £180 and costs of £30, and a criminal caution for another individual for assisting with that application.
Audit committee vicechairman David Willingham (LD, St. Peters) said fraud against the council affects everyone as the loss of funds leads to a reduction in council services.
“The loss of council tax revenue reduces the services the council can deliver, and fraud relating to council housing can deny people in need the opportunity to get council housing.
“Reports like this show that Cheltenham Borough Council takes a robust approach towards preventing and detecting fraud.
“If your personal circumstances change and you are no longer entitled to council tax support or single occupier discount, then you must tell the council.”