Man holding a sign that says "Prosecuted".

Benefit Fraud

Benefit Fraud costs the country about £2 billion a year which is money that could be spent on public services. This equates to around £80 a year for each household in Great Britain. Fraud has an impact on the amount of Council Tax and Income Tax you pay and the amount of resources available to the Community.

Some examples of Benefit Fraud are where people:

  • work but do not declare this when they claim benefit
  • claim as a single person but actually live with a partner
  • claim from an address, but do not actually live there
  • do not tell us the full amount of income, savings or capital when they claim benefit
  • do not report a change of circumstances whilst receiving benefit do not declare an occupational or works pension

If you suspect someone is committing benefit fraud, please tell us. The more information you can give us, the more likely we will be able to stop it.

  • Type of fraud you think is taking place
  • Name, age and address of suspect(s)
  • Descriptions of persons and any vehicles involved
  • Who they work for
  • What times they start or finish work
  • How long you suspect the fraud has been going on

If you wish to give your name and address it may assist the investigator but this is entirely voluntary.

How to report benefit fraud

To tell us about suspected fraud, please complete the online benefit fraud form below or email BenefitInvest@carlisle.gov.uk

You can call one of the following telephone numbers

  • Carlisle City Council - 01228 817219 or 01228 817532
  • Freephone - 0800 783 9120
  • National Benefit Fraud Hotline - 0800 854 440

Or, if you prefer, you could also write to

Benefits Investigation Unit
Revenues and Benefits
Carlisle City Council
Civic Centre
Carlisle
CA3 8QG


Electronic forms

Electronic forms can be completed and submitted online, with no paper involved, which is not only our preferred method; it's kinder to the environment as well.

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Contact us

 01228 817000

Carlisle City Council
Civic Centre, Carlisle, Cumbria,
CA3 8QG