Fraud Investigation

Commercial Services Fraud Investigation Business Service

Here at South Staffordshire Council we have a dedicated Fraud Investigation Business Service (FIBS). Our Investigation Service has:-

• Over forty five years of Housing Benefit/Council Tax and Welfare Benefit knowledge;
• Current experience of investigating tenancy/Right To Buy fraud;
• Twenty five years of investigative experience;
• A proven capability to conclude investigations with a sanction;
• The expertise and skills necessary to collect and collate evidence to the standard necessary for prosecution.

Our Investigators conduct all investigations in full compliance of the requirements of:-

• The Fraud Act 2006
• The Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Act 2013
• The Council Tax reduction Scheme regulation 2013 s4 and s5
• The Housing Act 1996 s171
• Criminal Investigation Procedures Act 1996
• Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984
• Data Protection Act 1984
• The Human Rights Act 1998

Our Investigators are trained and qualified Accredited Counter Fraud Specialists, a qualification ratified by the Institute of Criminal Studies Portsmouth University (Professional in Security-PINS) and have achieved further professional development having qualified as:-

• Authorised Officers;
• PINS Management; and
• Certified Counter Fraud Officer.

The team continuously seeks to develop and enhance their skills in order to provide a cost effective, efficient and comprehensive investigative service.

FIBS specialise in the following types of fraud investigations:-

• Council Tax Reduction Scheme Fraud;
• Council Tax Liability Fraud;
• National Non Domestic Rate Fraud;

Tenancy Fraud including Right To Buy (RTB) and Right To Acquire (RTA)

We offer a range of services

Please contact Deborah Harris, Audit Manager for an informal discussion on the services we offer :-

01902 696611 / Deborah.Harris@sstaffs.gov.uk