Selby District Council takes benefit fraud very seriously and is committed to taking action against anyone who receives benefits they are not entitled to.

A spokesperson said that the Council is committed to paying Housing and Council Tax Benefit promptly and accurately to genuine claimants. "We aim to protect public funds and make sure that benefits are paid to people who are entitled to them."

Selby District Council's Counter Fraud Unit has a trained team of investigators. They are qualified in counter fraud activities and are committed to carrying out their duties in a professional, efficient and fair manner.

The Counter Fraud Unit relies heavily on information from the public and staff about suspected fraud. It is vital that you continue to pass this information to the unit. If you suspect benefit fraud may be taking place, please report it in one of the following ways:

Call the 24 hour Benefit Fraud Hotline on 01757 292230

Report it by clicking here

What Types of Fraud Are There?

Typical examples of benefit fraud are:

• People who work but do not declare this when they claim benefit.
• People who claim as a single person but actually live with a partner.
• People who claim from an address but do not live there.
• People who do not tell us the full amount of income, savings or capital when they claim benefit.
• People who for any reason do not have any right to claim Housing Benefit or Council Tax benefit.

The use of data matching enables fraud investigators to cross-check benefit claims against income tax, national insurance and pension databases and share information with government departments. Investigators have legal powers to look at financial records, such as bank statements, mortgage accounts and bills, if they have reason to suspect fraud. 

The council may also use credit reference agency data matches to identify other people living in your household. Once detected, we can prevent further losses, recover the overpayments and prosecute the offenders.