Maidenhead & Windsor

More than £557,000 of fraudulent Windsor and Maidenhead benefit claims have been identified over the past year thanks to the Royal Borough's benefit fraud team – helped by a new dedicated anti-fraud computer system and information from residents.

This is £100,000 more than the previous financial year, when the team identified nearly £460,000 worth of benefit 'stolen' from council taxpayers – and brings the total over the past two years to more than £1m.

A total of 236 Windsor and Maidenhead investigations were completed during the year, resulting in 18 prosecutions, 33 administrative penalties and 10 formal cautions. In addition, the team stopped a number of fraudulent claims before they were paid.

Measures have already been put in place to recover 'every penny' of the overpayments.

Cases investigated by the team came from referrals from the public, from the matching of computerised information with other government agencies such as HM Revenue and Customs, Department for Work and Pensions and the Pensions Service, as well as those referred to the team by council staff.

Cllr David Hilton, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead finance, said: "Well done to the benefit fraud team for their hard work and perseverance in foiling the benefit fraud cheats. Thanks are also due to benefit officers and residents who have provided information to the fraud team. People who commit benefit fraud are in effect stealing from council taxpayers and it is in all our interests to stamp it out."

Catherine Hickman, head of audit and review, said: "We are delighted with the success of what is very much a team effort and would like to encourage residents to continue contacting us with helpful information."

Once a debt is identified the benefits team puts measures in place to recover the overpayment. Tricia Jones, housing benefit manager, said: "Council taxpayers can rest assured that we intend to reclaim every penny."

A new Windsor and Maidenhead team member was welcomed in November 2007 – a dedicated anti-fraud computer system that ensures the high level of performance already achieved by the team is enhanced through providing investigators with a secure and efficient case management system. It also provides data that helps ensure resources are used to target fraudsters in the correct areas, giving best value to the authority and its residents.

Anyone who has information on suspected benefit fraud, such as benefit recipients failing to tell the council about a partner living with them, employment, additional pensions or benefits, money in the bank or property ownership, is asked to contact the Royal Borough's free and confidential Beat the Cheat hotline on 0500 353300.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead