💰 Swansea Council Strikes Back Against Fraud! 💰
Counter-fraud officers in Swansea have been hard at work, reclaiming over £400,000 from overpaid housing and welfare benefits, as well as wrongly claimed council tax reductions in the past year. This impressive total is more than double what was recovered the previous year, showcasing the team’s dedication and effectiveness. 🏠💥
But that’s not all—they’ve been cracking down on council houses being misused as holiday rentals and put a stop to nine of these cheeky setups, saving even more taxpayer money! Plus, they’ve been on the lookout for Blue Badge misuse, leading to a successful prosecution. 🚔
The internal investigations didn’t stop there: 13 staff-related probes were conducted, leading to one dismissal. While the team isn’t actively hunting for cases, potential fraud reports are flooding in via an online tool, activated post-Covid. 🌐
Fraud team manager Jonathon Rogers clarified that their job isn’t about digging for work but responding efficiently to the tips and alerts received. With connections to groups like the Department for Work and Pensions, their network is strong. Collaboration and awareness training are key weapons in their arsenal. 🔍🤝
Councillors have recognised these valuable efforts. Cllr Lesley Walton praised the proactive work, and Ben Smith, Director of Finance, affirmed the team’s significant impact. However, there’s a call for even more resources to tackle these cases. 📈
Stay informed on how your local council is keeping things right and tight! 🌟 #SwanseaCouncil #FightingFraud #CommunityFirst