Council reaffirms commitment to fighting fraud

Public sector fraud costs the UK billions each year, which can have a huge impact on public services. The consequences of the public sector being targeted by fraudsters includes reduced funding for the essential public services we all rely on.

Every day, the council’s Corporate Fraud Service, carries out investigations to find and prevent fraud against the council. Frauds committed against the council can include:

• Council Tax fraud
• Business Rates fraud
• Grant Fraud
• Social Care fraud
• Schools and Education fraud
• Procurement fraud
• Insurance fraud (claims against the Council)
• Internal fraud

Measures the council is taking to help prevent fraud include implementing robust financial and other controls, conducting regular fraud risk assessments, training for all staff and fostering a ‘fraud-aware’ culture throughout the organisation.

Enforcement action will be taken against anyone found to be committing fraud, which may include disciplinary action (if the fraud is perpetrated by an employee), civil court action or criminal prosecution.

Councillor Pete Stoddart, Cabinet Member Finance and Corporate Services said:

“We are constantly working to prevent and detect fraud. Every pound saved from fraud is a pound that can be spent on vital services.

”In 2023, heightened fraud awareness locally contributed to a 142% increase in new fraud referrals. We would like to encourage anyone who believes a fraud is being committed to report it, so it can be investigated.”

If you are aware of anyone believed to be committing fraud against Herefordshire Council services, please report it. That way we can help protect public funds that need to be spent on local services, which benefits everyone in Herefordshire.

• Complete our online form to report fraud

• Call the council fraud hotline on 01432 260698
• Write to us at: Counter Fraud Department, Corporate Services, Plough Lane Offices, Hereford, HR4 0LE

Any contact details provided will be held safely and treated in strict confidence, and you can request to remain anonymous within the fraud referral form.

If your concern is not in relation to Herefordshire Council you can report your concern through Action Fraud. 

• Make a report directly to Action Fraud using their online form or
• Contact the Action Fraud hotline on 0300 123 2040, Monday to Friday, 8am-8pm.

International Fraud Awareness Week 17-23 November 2024, is organised by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners and is a global effort to minimise the impact of fraud by promoting awareness and education.