SOUTH Somerset District Council is launching a crackdown on those who commit fraud.

Each year, thousands of pounds is stolen from the council by fraudsters, and now, South Somerset District Council has formed a new alliance with other councils to fight it.

Called the Somerset Tenancy Fraud Forum partnership, the council wants to encourage people to report fraud throughout the county.

Councillor Peter Seib, portfolio holder for finance and legal services at the district council, said: “When people commit fraud, it takes money away from those truly in need meaning that less funds and resources are available for valuable public services, it drives up taxes and deprives honest people of much needed homes.

“The Somerset fraud website and hotline provides a confidential way for individuals to report those who are cheating the system so that we can investigate and take the appropriate action to protect the public purse.

“Make sure you report any potential fraud quickly before the problem becomes a big one.”

The Somerset fraud reporting website and hotline enables you to provide information on different types of fraud in one place rather than through multiple organisations.

The areas of fraud covered on the website include benefit fraud (housing benefit and council tax support), council tax fraud, housing tenancy fraud, housing application fraud and there is also a section for any other fraud you have information on.

If you know anyone who is claiming benefits but doing undeclared work, someone who has a council or housing association property and isn’t living in it or is renting it out to someone else without permission; or if you suspect or are aware of bribery or fraud being committed by council staff or councillors then call 01935 462462 or reporting it online at somersetfraud.org.uk.

Your report will be treated in the strictest of confidence and can be given anonymously.