Overview
Somerset Council is required by the Local Government Transparency Code 2015 to publish information regarding our counter-fraud activities on an annual basis.
Fraud Transparency for the financial year 2024/25
The number of occasions we use powers under the Prevention of Social Housing Fraud (Power to Require Information) (England) Regulations 2014, or similar powers
Seven subletting cases:
- Three were proven and the Council has recovered one property (£42,000 saving attributed). The other two cases are due a decision by the Council on sanction imminently.
- Four are subject to further investigation by SWAP
The total number (absolute and full time equivalent) of employees undertaking investigations and prosecutions of fraud
Somerset Council has one full-time employee undertaking both proactive fraud work and some investigations. The services of SWAP Internal Audit are retained and they work across a number of authorities and are the main contributors in relation to investigations and prosecutions.
The total number (absolute and full time equivalent) of professionally accredited counter fraud specialists
Two SWAP Internal Audit employees are ACFE (certified fraud examiners), one has ACFS (Accredited Counter Fraud Specialist) and one is PINS (professional in security training) qualified.
The total amount spent by the authority on the investigation and prosecution of fraud
The time is included in the overall specification for audit and fraud services provided by SWAP Internal Audit.
The total number of fraud cases investigated
- 12 Council Tax or Business rates bill adjustments made totalling £7,188.76
- 1 awaiting Council Tax bill adjustment by the Revenues Team
- 7 Council Tax or Business Rates accounts awaiting Valuation Office banding
- 13 further Council Tax or Business Rates referrals under investigation
- 7 subletting cases investigated as above – three proven
- 2 further subletting housing referrals under investigation
- 4 direct payment cases under investigation
- 2 polygamous working cases – one resulted in a recovery of £1,036.20 and the other is still ongoing
- 6 applicants removed from the Housing Register (£25,688 in savings attributed)
For further information regarding the Council’s approach to countering fraud, please see our Fraud page.