Investigators working for South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils helped to prevent more than £410,000 in council tax discounts from being fraudulently claimed last year, and also recovered more than £160,000 which had already been paid out. Between 1 April 2015 and 31 March 2016 the councils took successful action against 24 people, this resulted in:
- £410,730 prevented from being paid out to false claims in the future
- £160,781 recovered from those caught committing council tax fraud
- 16 people convicted in court
- 7 receiving fines
- One person cautioned
- The councils urge people to report anyone they suspect of falsely claiming discounts on their council tax.
The success means that more than £410,000 which could have been fraudulently claimed in the future by those caught has been prevented from leaving the public purse. It will also eventually result in the recovery of more than £67,000 in South Oxfordshire and £93,000 in the Vale of White Horse. Those successfully prosecuted in court all now have criminal records and also received a range of punishments including suspended prison sentences, curfew orders, unpaid work and substantial fines. They must also re-pay all the money that they had wrongly claimed. Cllr Matthew Barber, Leader of the Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “Discounts on council tax are there for those entitled to them or who genuinely need it, and not because you fancy paying less than your fair share. So it’s only right that these people have been brought to book and are now paying the price.” If you suspect that someone you know is committing council tax fraud please REPORT IT! on 01235 422483 or email fraud@southandvale.gov.uk.