4. Obtaining information to combat fraud
The code of practice on obtaining information in relation to The Council Tax Reduction Schemes (Detection of Fraud and Enforcement) (England) Regulations 2013, introduced powers for authorised local authority officers to obtain information from listed organisations about their customers, in order to combat fraud against East Devon District Council.
Most of the fraud identified occurs due to people not telling us of changes in their circumstances.
It is necessary for us to obtain information if we are to ensure that taxpayers’ money goes to those for whom it is intended.
Council Tax Reduction fraud is a significant cost to the taxpayer.
Our powers to obtain information are not intended to place additional burdens on businesses, but to reduce the overall burden on society. Everyone therefore has an interest in providing information to us so that we can combat fraud.