Fraud and corruption
Fraud & Corruption
Mid Devon District Council does not tolerate any level of fraud, corruption or bribery. It is committed to preventing, identifying and pursuing people who attempt to commit fraud against the public purse internally and externally. Our proactive stance in the elimination of fraud relies on it being reported as well as being detected by officers and elected members.
If you see it report it!
Common types of fraud include:
- Dishonestly claiming Council Tax support or a Single Persons Discount, Government grant or energy schemes, or Business Rate Reliefs.
- Providing false information to make a claim against the Council.
Housing fraud
Social housing fraud or more commonly known ‘tenancy fraud’ is the use of social housing by someone not entitled to occupy that home. This includes providing false information to Devon Home Choice.
Mid Devon District Council doesn't have enough social housing to meet the requirements of people who genuinely need it. People waiting for social housing will have to wait even longer if homes continue to be occupied by people who have no right to be there.
Common types of tenancy fraud include:
- Unauthorised sub letting
- Using false information to gain a tenancy
- Wrongly claimed succession
- Key selling
Report benefit fraud
For information about benefit fraud and to report suspected fraud see www.gov.uk/benefit-fraud or call the National Fraud Hotline on 0800 854 440 (lines are open from 8am to 6pm on weekdays - your call is free and confidential).
Or write by post to NBFH PO Box 224, Preston, PR1 1GP. If you have speech or hearing problems, you can use the text phone service on 0800 328 0512.
Some of the common types of benefit fraud include:
- Not declaring work or under-reporting hours worked or earnings
- Living with a partner whilst claiming to be living alone
- Dishonestly claiming disability benefits
- Dishonestly claiming a carers benefit
Report it (in confidence)
Devon Audit Partnership works on behalf of Mid Devon District Council. The Counter Fraud Services team review all allegations of fraud affecting the public purse within the district. If you think someone is committing fraud against the Council, please contact the Counter Fraud Services team via:
- Email counter.fraud@devon.gov.uk;
- Call 01752 304 450; or
- Write to Counter Fraud Services Team, Devon Audit Partnership, Ballard House, West Hoe Road, Plymouth, PL1 3BJ.
For complaints about a Councillor, please see our code of conduct and complaints about Councillors page.
If you have a general complaint, please use our 'Have Your Say' online feedback form.