Reporting fraud and combating corruption

Counter Fraud and Investigations are committed to combatting fraud and corruption affecting Brent Council.

Some examples of fraud types investigated by the service include:

• Social Housing fraud
• Council Tax fraud
• Business Rates fraud
• Social Care Fund fraud
• Blue Badge fraud
• Officer Corruption

Housing Benefit fraud is investigated 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 Benefit Theft website.

Reporting fraud and corruption

Report fraud online. All information provided will be treated seriously, and in confidence. You can remain anonymous if you wish.

Other ways to report fraud

• Email: investigations@brent.gov.uk
• Telephone: 0208 937 1279
• Post: Counter Fraud and Investigations, Brent Civic Centre, Engineers Way, Wembley, HA9 0FJ

Please note, due to confidentiality, we cannot provide any updates on the progress or outcomes of any actions or investigations.

Corruption

Council officers are not permitted to accept bribes and bribing a council officer is a serious criminal offence. If you know of anyone at the council who has accepted a bribe or who has asked for money to make a particular decision, please tell us about it.

For further information please see our Anti-Fraud and Bribery Policy 2022.

Also for information, please see the council’s Enforcement Policy and accompanying set of Service Standards with regards to regulatory activities.

Local anti-fraud initiatives

The personal information we have collected from you will be shared with fraud prevention agencies who will use it to prevent fraud and money-laundering and to verify your identity. If fraud is detected, you could be refused certain services, finance, or employment. 

• Find out about your data protection rights and how your information will be used. 

National Fraud Initiative

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

• Find out how your details may be used as part of this initiative.