Appeal for help to catch benefit cheats

Aug 20 2009 by Barry Ellams, Chester Chronicle

CHESHIRE West and Chester Council is asking residents for help in cracking down on benefit cheats.

The council has a dedicated team of professionally trained investigators who have teamed up with the Department for Work and Pensions, giving them access to additional information.

This year alone the council will pay out about £97m in Housing and Council Tax benefit.

While encouraging everyone who is entitled to benefits to apply for them, the council says stealing through benefit fraud costs the taxpayer, leaving less for those people who need benefits to live on and less to spend on improving public services.

Cllr Les Ford, finance portfolio holder said: “We take a hard-line on benefit fraud. It is the policy of Cheshire West and Chester Council to prosecute benefit fraudsters and to recover all costs associated with such actions.

“Benefit fraud is a crime and we will use all of our dedicated resources to investigate any allegations we receive.”

It is important that customers report all changes in their circumstances straight away so that the council can pay the correct benefit to those eligible.

Changes must be reported in writing, but advice on what to report call 0300 123 7021.

To report anyone suspected of wrongfully claiming benefit call the Benefit Fraud Hotline anonymously on 0300 123 7030 or visit the council’s website at www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

All information is treated in the strictest confidence.