HEREFORDSHIRE Council has been praised in a new report after a year which saw more than £900,000 of benefit overpayments recovered.
Inspectors from the Benefit Fraud Inspectorate (BFI) reported dramatic improvements in the council's administration of housing and council tax benefit payments, as well as its counter-fraud measures.
The council scored three stars out of a possible four and its service was rated as good.
The report said the council was exceeding its targets with regards to visiting customers to identify changes in circumstances and completing reviews of those cases.
During 2006/7, the council investigated more than 500 allegations of fraud, with most referrals coming from local residents, which resulted in 38 prosecutions and 63 sanctions.
If people suspect anyone of benefit fraud, they can call the benefit fraud hotline on 0800 592953 or write to the benefit investigation unit, Town Hall, St Owen's Street, Hereford, HR1 2PJ.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article