New clampdown on benefit fraud

ROTHER District Council is to relaunch its benefit fraud hotline to reaffirm its stance of zero-tolerance against fraudulent claims for housing benefit.

In the year up to March 2001 202 cases of fraud had been identified, and a further 90 irregularities spotted, making a combined saving of 147,000.

Councillors at Monday night s Performance Review and Audit Committee confirmed their commitment of non-tolerance and agreed a new poster Report A Fraud.

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Chief finance officer Dr Pav Ramewal said in a report: The council s benefit investigation unit uncovered 202 cases of fraud in the housing benefits system and a further 90 cases of irregularities.

The total amount identified as recoverable from these incidents amounted to 147,000.

The combined effects of this work has reduced the council s total benefit bill by almost 8,300 per week.

Dr Ramewal added the council had made five successful prosecutions for benefit fraud during the year.

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The current benefit fraud hotline (01424 787737) is a 24-hour answer-phone in the benefits investigation unit, which is manned during office hours.

The telephone number has been in the telephone directory for the last four years. The number was also included on posters at all post offices in the district.

The new poster campaign will be launched on the council s website so cheats can be named by e-mail.

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