Hard-working residents shop benefit cheats (From Salisbury Journal)

Hard-working residents shop benefit cheats

6:00pm Thursday 2nd February 2012 in New Forest News By Karen Bate

HARD-WORKING residents in Hampshire have declared war on the benefit cheats who cost the county nearly £1.5 million last year.

As law-abiding citizens tighten their belts amid the economic downturn, daily calls are now being made to special hotlines to report on those illegally claiming benefits.

In Hampshire a total of £1,489,620 was fraudulently gained in housing and council tax benefits last year.

In the New Forest alone, £244,061.90 was swindled from the district council.

Martin Mortimer, New Forest District Council investigations officer, said: “In the last year, with the economic downturn and more people struggling to make ends meet, there has been an increase in referrals.

“I think people feel ‘I’ve let that go before, but why should they get away with it?’.”

Investigators share information with other local authorities and partner organisations to determine whether benefits are overpaid or should not be paid.

Mr Mortimer added: “We deal with referrals on the phone hotline or anonymously on the district council’s website.

“People ring up and tell us about people who they believe are committing fraud. This can be because people have a moral outlook or because they are trying to make ends meet while they believe someone is claiming benefits they are not entitled to.”

Between April 2010 to April 2011, the district council prosecuted 23 people and gave a further 31 people penalties and cautions.

District council leader Barry Rickman said: “New Forest District Council was one of the first local authorities to develop a benefits fraud team and for the last two decades has consistently supported firm action against those who seek to defraud public funds. Everyone who defrauds the council of money stops others from getting their fair share. Times are hard for us all and we are committed to protecting taxpayers’ money.”

If you suspect someone of benefit fraud you can report it anonymously on 0800 085 1637 or through the council’s website newforest.gov.uk.