Work done by Cheshire East Council in clamping down on potential council tax fraud has been highlighted by the Communities and Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles.
The Departments for Communities and Local Government has just published a report, outlining 10 ways in which councils can tackle fraud and recover £2bn, which mentions the work done by Cheshire East in ensuring single person discount on council tax is only given to those people who live on their own.
Starting last August, the Council sent letters out to all households claiming the 25% discount to ask them if they could confirm who was living at the address.
An audit was carried out by Northgate, a company specialising in this field, who worked closely with Experian. Where Northgate was given incorrect details the cases were investigated further and those found to be wrongly claiming the discount were issued with a bill for the backdated amount from April 1st, 2010 – which averaged £250 per person.
The audit cost the Council £80,000 and will result in £500,000 extra income every year.
Councillor Wesley Fitzgerald, Leader of Cheshire East Council and Cabinet member with responsibility for resources, said: "I am very pleased that the work we have done locally to combat fraud is being praised on a national level.
"The single person discount system is designed for those who genuinely need extra help. Sadly there are a few people who are prepared to abuse it."
