Going back to work and Benefits advice
If you’re worried about losing your Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit if you go back to work then please read the Jobcentre Plus leaflet The Benefits of Working|.
Other advice and useful information is also given, this is also available Online:
Over 280,000 pounds of taxpayers money returning to rightful place
29 fraudsters who tried to make off with thousands of pounds of taxpayers money they were not entitled to have been prosecuted by courts in Gateshead since April 2009. Gateshead Council has also taken action in the form of cautions and administrative penalties against another 81 residents who illicitly pocketed thousands in falsely claimed benefits.
When added up the total amount of fraudulently claimed benefits discovered by Gateshead Council in the last nine months is over £280,000.
In dozens of cases, fraudsters provided false information to benefits officers in the mistaken belief that they would not be caught while others failed to report changes in their circumstances. However through the use of data matches and detailed investigations sometimes as a result of anonymous tip offs from the public, these wrongly claimed benefits will be repaid.
Gateshead Council Strategic Director of Finance & ICT Derek Coates said: “Thousands of people who legitimately claim benefits are dismayed that people attempt to take money to which they are not entitled. We share their concerns and are determined to do everything within our powers to bring these people before the courts and recover the money.”
“I hope that these figures will send a clear message to anyone who continues to defraud the system that they will not get away with it.”
Failing to inform benefits officers of a change in employment, a change in household circumstances, failing to declare pensions being claimed or savings held is an offence.
Anyone with good reason to suspect that a benefit fraud is being committed in Gateshead can provide details, anonymously if necessary, by ringing 0191-433 3748, 0191- 433 3352 or by calling Gateshead Council’s 24 hour confidential hotline on 0191 433 3657.
Benefit fraud can also be reported by e-mailing Fraud Investigations Service| or Online at www.gateshead.gov.uk/benefitfraud|