Does The Benefit Fraud Investigation Team Work With Other Organisations?

As well as having an active Prosecution Policy which is approved by Members we work closely with our colleagues from the Department for Work & Pensions often conducting joint interviews and prosecutions.

We target fraud by working effectively with the Agencies and Organisations listed below to assist us in our fight against benefit fraud.

Local Authority Investigation Officers Group (LAIOG) (external link) - Approximately 400 Local Authorities subscribe to LAIOG across England, Scotland and Wales.

The group aims to provide members with access to information from Parliamentary sources such as:

• The Department for Work & Pensions,  (external link)
• Data Protection  (external link)
  

Benefit Fraud Inspectorate (BFI) (external link) - The mission of the BFI is to maximise counter fraud performance and minimise the risk of fraud throughout the Social Security system.

Both Members and officers of the fraud team are committed to implementing good practise as recommended by the BFI.

National Anti Fraud Network (NAFN) (external link) - The aim of the network is to operate a national intelligence service to assist in deterring, detecting and preventing fraud. It aims to provide a regular source of intelligence and a focal point on wide range of fraud related matters.

Data matching exercises

We participate in the National Fraud Initiative scheme which is conducted every 2 years and is a countrywide exercise.

We also participate in monthly matching initiatives with other Government departments.

Should you need further information about anything on this page please contact us at:

Fraud & Corporate Debt - Fraud Investigation Team
Chester City Council
The Forum
Chester
CH1 2HS
Telephone 01244 402160
Email fraud@chester.gov.uk.