Published on:
11
December 2001
Every year it is estimated that benefit cheats cost £2 billion in stolen benefits in the UK - and last year in Clackmannanshire overpaid benefit added up to just over £250,000.
Although more than half was recovered, the Council wants to do much more to make sure that benefits are paid to only those who are actually entitled to them. Now for the first time in Central Scotland, local people can report benefit fraud online by clicking onto www.clacksweb.org.uk to complete a 'Fraud Referral Form'.
Keir Bloomer, Chief Executive of Clackmannanshire Council said: "This development demonstrates the possibilities presented by the internet, and Clackmannanshire Council's determination to make the most of them. Benefit fraud is a crime, which impacts on everyone, costing every household in Britain an average of £80 per year.
"Now the people of Clackmannanshire can help to beat this unacceptable crime by reporting suspected incidences of benefit fraud securely, confidentially, and, if they wish, anonymously, through ClacksWeb."
Clackmannanshire Council has a duty under law to administer Housing and Council Tax benefits within Clackmannanshire. Simultaneously the Council has a responsibility to make sure that benefits are paid to only those who are actually entitled to them.