£400,000 returned from Staffordshire benefit cheats

Benefit fraud investigators in Burntwood and Lichfield have carried out 219 investigations in the past year.

There have also been a total of 14 prosecutions and 36 penalties. A total of £399,708 has been collected, which is up from £135,259 in the previous year. The figures are revealed in a report to Lichfield District Council's audit committee which will discuss the findings next week.

It states: "Benefit and council tax support lost to fraudulent and erroneous claims is a major financial drain on the council.

"Therefore our aim is to prevent fraud and error from occurring, detect it when it does happen, educate our customers to their responsibilities and deter customers from committing acts of benefit fraud."

The council said it would continue to publicise successful prosecutions to send out a warning to other residents.

Councillor Mike Wilcox, Leader of Lichfield District Council and Cabinet Member for Finance, Revenues and Benefits, said: "If you are claiming benefits or support, it's really important to make sure you report any changes in your circumstances to the correct department straightaway.

"If you are worried about your claim, please contact us as soon as possible, so we can help to make sure you are claiming the right amount."

The Government launched an attack on benefit cheats in 2010.

It also introduced the idea of a Single Fraud Investigation Service to tackle all Welfare Benefit and Tax Credit fraud, consisting of Investigation staff from the Department for Work and Pensions, Her Majesty's Customs and Revenues and Local Authorities.

It was introduced in November 2012 in four pilot areas and it was confirmed in the Chancellor's autumn statement that it will roll-out nationally over an 18 month period between October 2014 and March 2016.

The report added: "Fighting Fraud Locally is a strategic approach developed by local government, for local government, and addresses the need for greater prevention and smarter enforcement. It outlines a strategic approach that, if adopted across local government, will not only enable local authorities to become better protected from fraud but also contribute to the nation's ability to detect and punish fraudsters."

Figures estimate that benefit and tax credits fraud is around £1.9 billion per year whereas other fraud against local authorities is around £2.1bn. For help and advice call Lichfield District Council on 01543 308900 or email benefits@lichfielddc.gov.uk.