Fraud

This page will tell you about how the council deals with claims of fraud.

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Corporate fraud

Fraud within the public sector costs the taxpayer billions every year. We’re committed to a zero-tolerance approach on all aspects of fraud. This is why Northumberland County Council have a dedicated corporate fraud team, who investigate fraud and irregularity allegations.

What is corporate fraud?

Corporate fraud is when people dishonestly claim benefits, or don't tell us when their circumstances change.

Examples are people who:
  • work, but don't declare it when claiming benefits
  • claim as a single person, but live with a partner
  • claim from an address, but don't live there

 

Contact us

You can contact the fraud team by phone, email, or by post:

Address:
The Corporate Fraud Team
Northumberland County Council
Wansbeck Square
Ashington
Northumberland
NE63 9XL

 

Report it

We encourage confidence in reporting suspected illegal or illegitimate practices. Individuals who make disclosures are completely safe. If you suspect something, make an immediate note of your concerns and report them using one of the following methods:
  • fraud hotline - 01670 624359
  • customer service - 0345 600 6400
  • our 'report fraudulent activity' form below:
People can take advantage of and manipulate many council services, such as the following:
 
  • council tax reduction
  • council tax discount and exemption
  • business rates
  • housing tenancy/right to buy
  • blue badge
  • offences committed by staff members and contractors
  • procurement
  • social care
  • grants
  • free school meals

The manipulation of these services is corrupt, and is defined as fraud.

Blue badge fraud

Although most blue badge holders use them responsibly, people do abuse them, and we take this very seriously. We have a dedicated team who work to investigate and prosecute blue badge misuse and fraud. Please see below for more information about blue badge fraud, and how to report it.

Contact us

You can contact the fraud team by phone, email, or by post:

Address:
The Corporate Fraud Team
Northumberland County Council
Wansbeck Square
Ashington
Northumberland
NE63 9XL

 

Report it

Please use the contact information above if you would like to report blue badge fraud.

If you can provide any of the information below (if known), it can help with investigations:
  • name of badge holder and the name of who is currently using the badge
  • registration number of vehicle in which badge is displayed
  • badge serial number and expiry date
  • the badge issuing authority (this will be the council who provided the badge)
  • time, day, and place where vehicle is usually parked
  • details of why you think the badge is being misused

By the badge holder

  • parking in the wrong place or parking for too long where there is a time limit
  • use of a badge that is no longer valid
  • use of a badge that’s been reported lost or stolen
  • letting a friend or relative use the badge
  • use of a copied badge
  • altering the details, for example, the expiry date
  • making a fraudulent application or using a badge obtained fraudulently

 

By a third party

  • using someone else’s badge (with or without the badge holder’s knowledge) without the badge holder being present
  • using a badge belonging to someone who has died
  • copying, altering or making badges
  • using a stolen badge
  • using a fake badge 

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