Shropshire Council reclaims £2 million from benefit fraud
Shropshire Council has reclaimed almost £2 million in fraudulently claimed benefits, it was revealed today.
As part of ongoing work to stop people claiming more in benefits that they are supposed to, the council has been checking data on those who claim benefits with those from other agencies.
In the current financial year, the council has recovered £1.775 million in housing benefits which have been overpaid.
David Turner, Shropshire Council's Cabinet member for resources, finance and support, said: "We work continuously to ensure accuracy in benefit assessments by cross-checking data with other agencies. We have also been part of the Fraud and Error Reduction Scheme since November 2014."
The information comes following a report by Telford & Wrekin Council into a review of its current Council Tax Support Scheme.
The report revealed that the borough council had reclaimed £700,000 from people fraudulently claiming benefits.
Since December 2013, more than 7,600 claimants have been reviewed in Telford, saving the £700,000, and officers are continuing to check claimants at a rate of 600 per month.
They blame the problem on claimants failing to report a change in circumstances that would reduce benefit payments.
Figures showed that £150,000 has been saved over two years in council tax support alone.
New rules will soon cap council tax benefit to £20,000, which Telford & Wrekin Council says will save it at least a further £241,000 in payments.
Shropshire Council has not yet reviewed its own support scheme, but Mr Turner said: "Shropshire Council is due to review the Council Tax Support Scheme in the next financial year."
The council urges anyone who suspects that a benefit fraud is being committed to call the National Benefit Fraud Hotline on 0800 854 440.
