Issued: 19 June 2002
Verification Framework - Housing And Council Tax Benefit
Angus Council has introduced a specific strategy to combat fraud and error in the housing benefit and council tax benefit systems.
The council currently has an overall strategy outlining the authority's commitment to stamping out fraud and corruption wherever it exists.
However new guidelines from the Government has seen the creation of a separate policy for housing and council tax benefits.
The new plan was approved by members of the Council’s Finance and IT Committee at a meeting on Tuesday (18 June).
Convener Alex King said: "Angus Council is determined to stamp out dishonesty and corruption where possible and this strategy will see some practical steps being introduced to make it more difficult for fraud to take place. This strategy will form part of the overall anti-fraud and corruption strategy of the council.
"Part of the government guidelines is that a home visit takes place once every three years and the council will also take the opportunity during these home visit to ensure a claimant is receiving all the benefits and services to which they are entitled."
The new strategy outlining the Council’s policy towards reporting suspected benefit fraud and the prevention and detection of benefit fraud were detailed in the report to committee.
The report also detailed the deterrents available which may be used by the council and its policy on prosecution of benefit fraudsters and the sanctions which may be imposed.