Fraud Awareness week 2025
16 to 22 November is International Fraud Awareness Week 2025.
Fraud is a real and persistent threat to our public services. It takes taxpayers’ money and resources from where they are needed the most. Melton Borough Council has a zero-tolerance approach to fraud.
We are alert to a wide range of fraud risks that can affect the council and take steps to prevent, detect and act upon any fraud. Two of the main fraud risks that affect our services are Council Tax fraud and housing fraud.
Council Tax fraud
Council Tax fraud is when a person deliberately gives incorrect or misleading information in order to pay less or no Council Tax. Council Tax fraud could be when a person claims to live in a single-person household when more than one person lives there, or they might claim to be a student when they are not.
The council regularly checks discount claims and takes part in annual data matching. Those found guilty of Council Tax fraud will be required to pay it back, plus for serious cases may receive a financial penalty or a criminal conviction.
Always let us know if your circumstances change whilst claiming a single person discount. This includes if a dependent is turning 18, even if they are a student and continue to be exempt.
Housing fraud
Housing fraud includes not telling the truth when applying for social housing - for example claiming to have children when you do not, sub-letting a property without permission, and living in a property after someone has died without the right to do so.
The council works to investigate fraudulent housing applications and tenancy fraud. Every property recovered can be given to someone on the waiting list, reduce the number of people in temporary accommodation and save the council money.
How we tackle fraud
The council has a zero-tolerance approach to fraud and takes multiples steps to prevent and detect incidents.
The National Fraud Initiative (NFI) is one element of the council’s anti-fraud strategy. It is an exercise that matches electronic data within and between over a thousand public and private sector bodies to prevent and detect fraud. This includes both Council Tax and housing related frauds. We investigate these matches and take action on any fraudulent activity.
Report suspected fraud
Everyone can play a part in fighting fraud. By being vigilant and reporting those you suspect have committed fraud against the council, you can help to ensure that all our spending goes on delivering and improving public services.
You can find out how to report the different types of fraud below. We have a zero-tolerance approach to fraud and take any allegations very seriously, when we get a report in we will investigate the incident and stop those committing the offence.
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