Anti-fraud and corruption

The council has a duty to protect the public funds it administers. Fraud and corruption deprives our services of vital resources. We are committed to the prevention, detection, and investigation of all forms of fraud, bribery and corruption in all areas of the council’s services.

Our fraud investigators are responsible for investigating all fraud matters which directly impact the council, in areas such as:

• business rates
• council tax
• council tax support
• grants
• homelessness and housing waiting lists
• licensing
• payroll
• planning
• procurement

To assist in the fight against fraud and corruption, the council supports the Fighting Fraud and Corruption Locally Strategy.

Housing Benefit Fraud is the responsibility of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and should be reported to the DWP National Benefit Fraud Hotline via GOV.UK website.

Report fraud for investigation

If you suspect fraud or corruption is being committed against the council or its services, report it to us.

Give as much information as possible to help us investigate such as:

• names, addresses and detailed descriptions of the people you are reporting
• details of the fraud they are committing
• how long it has been happening
• any other relevant details, for example where they work or their vehicle details

Do not:

• seek information on our behalf

You do not have to give your name or contact details when reporting fraud, but it does help if we need to ask you for more information. If you do provide your personal details, they will be kept confidential and only used if we need to contact you. Our privacy policy explains how we handle your personal data.

Report a potential fraud online

Or:

• email: fraud@basingstoke.gov.uk
• telephone: Freephone hotline 0800 525 927

What happens after reporting fraud

Every report received is reviewed and taken seriously. If issues are found, then appropriate action will be taken. This could include a full investigation and may lead to prosecution or other sanctions. Other agencies or organisations may also be informed if there are issues that cannot be dealt with by the council.

While you may not see any action being taken, please be assured that the council takes fraud and corruption seriously and will take appropriate action where necessary.

Unfortunately, Data Protection laws prevent us from being able to give progress updates or tell you the outcome of our investigations.

Protecting yourself from fraud and scams

Action Fraud is the UK’s national fraud and internet crime reporting centre. It provides a central point of contact for information about fraud and financially motivated internet crime.

If you believe you have been a victim of fraud or need information on protecting yourself and others from fraud and scams visit Action Fraud's website.

National Fraud Initiative (NFI) - Data matching

The council is required by law to protect the public funds it administers. To help prevent and detect fraud and error the council participates in the National Fraud Initiative data matching exercise.

The exercise run by the Cabinet Office requires us to provide particular sets of data for matching against information provided by other bodies. This data includes personal information that has been provided to us.

For further information please see the Level 2 Notice in the documents below.