01.12.14
DCLG names successful bidders to Counter Fraud Fund
A series of council-led anti-fraud projects have been given a share of £16m funding to clamp down on social housing tenancy cheats, business rates evasion, procurement fraud and social care and health tourism.
The DCLG revealed the successful bidders to the Counter Fraud Fund, which included a partnership in south west London, led by Wandsworth, that will set up a counter fraud service across five boroughs combining expertise and intelligence to clamp down on social housing tenancy fraud and stop corporations ripping off local taxpayers.
In addition, dozens of councils have joined forces to develop a smartphone app to enable residents to easily alert them to cases of suspected fraud and expose prosecutions to act as a deterrent. This project is being led by Bromley on behalf of 38 councils, but more than 100 others have expressed an interest to opt in and share the benefits.
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, who is leading the DCLG’s campaign against local government fraud, said: “We will not tolerate fraudsters who rip off councils and hardworking taxpayers which is why this government is pumping millions of pounds into helping councils catch these thieves and claw back this money.
“Our clamp down on money wasted through fraud will help expose this scourge, free up homes for the families that really need them and protect frontline services. Councils must be confident and step forward to promote prosecutions so they may act as a deterrent to others.”
The total Counter Fraud Fund scheme is worth up to £16m over the financial years 2014 to 2015 and 2015 to 2016. It will start paying money to successful local authorities during the third quarter of 2014 to 2015.
A separate £600,000 will help provide strategic support for local authorities in tackling fraud. Lord Ahmad recently announced £100,000 of funding to the network of counter fraud authorities (Fighting Fraud Locally) to develop a counter fraud strategy for local government. A further announcement on the remaining £500,000 will be made shortly.
To view the full list of successful bids, click here.
(Image: c. thecrazyfilmgirl)
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