Fraud

The Moray Council is legally required to protect the public funds it administers and to prevent, detect and deter fraud, bribery and corruption in all areas of its work.

We are committed to reducing the opportunity for fraudulent activity as far as possible and rely on information from the public to help us achieve this. Appropriate steps will be taken to investigate and act on any reports of fraudulent activities.

Examples of fraudulent activities:

  • Housing / Tenancy Fraud e.g. making false housing applications by misrepresenting personal circumstances or renting out a Council property without permission.
  • Council Tax Fraud e.g. claiming a single person discount when other individuals reside at the property or failing to declare that a property is used as a holiday let to evade payment of the Second Home Premium.
  • Blue Badge Fraud e.g. using a Blue Badge that belongs to another person or using a Blue Badge when the badge holder is not present in the vehicle.
  • Procurement and Grant Fraud e.g. claiming payment for contracts, supplies, or grants without entitlement, or submitting false invoices.
  • Theft or Misuse of Council Assets e.g. stealing or improperly using Council vehicles, buildings, equipment, or other resources.

Reporting suspected fraudulent activities:

If you suspect that fraudulent activity has been or is being committed, you can report it to Moray Council in the following ways:

  • Email: fraud@moray.gov.uk
  • Telephine : 01343 563 307
  • In writing:  Internal Audit Section, Room 320, Moray Council Headquarters, High Street, Elgin, IV30 1BX

In addition, Council employees and agents wishing to report concerns regarding irregularities including fraud can do so through the Councils Whistle Blowing Policy.

What happens next
We will look into all matters reported and take appropriate action.

You may report suspected fraudulent activity anonymously; however, providing your name and contact details may assist our enquiries and enable us to provide updates on the outcome of any investigation.

We will treat all information received in the strictest confidence and in accordance with Data Protection Regulations. Where criminality is identified, any information provided may be passed to the Police or other enforcement agencies.

National Fraud Initiative (NFI)
The National Fraud Initiative (NFI) is an exercise that matches electronic data within and between public and private sector bodies to prevent and detect fraud.

The Council is required by law to protect the public funds it administers. It may share information provided to it with other bodies responsible for auditing or administering public funds, or with organisations undertaking a public function, in order to prevent and detect fraud.

Housing Benefit fraud
Housing Benefit fraud is no longer investigated by the Council as this has been taken over by the Fraud and Compliance Directorate at the Department for Work and Pensions. Fraud can be reported to them via the National Benefit Fraud Hotline 0800 854 440 or via the Report Benefit Fraud page.

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