Anti-Fraud Strategy

Royal Borough of Kingston

Committed to Countering Fraud

The Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames is responsible for paying millions of pounds in Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit each year.

We recognise that dealing with fraud is important to create and maintain a secure benefit system, we recognise that we are under a duty to Council taxpayers and Central Government to ensure that money does not go to those who are not entitled to it.

Our Strategy:

Prevent

• We will seek to prevent fraud entering the system by maintaining regular anti-fraud training to Benefit paying staff;
• Embark on central government initiatives for example the Verification Framework and

Deter

• We will aim to Deter fraud by publicising our efforts in countering fraud: and
• Prosecute, formally caution, or institute Administrative Penalty proceedings in respect of appropriate cases

Detect

• We will aim to detect fraud using any and all means at our disposal. This includes pro-active visiting initiatives and Data Matching exercises.
• Investigate referrals received from all sources and
• Ensure all investigation staff are trained in all new legislation and methods of investigating.