InformationFraud and corruption
East Devon District Council is committed to protecting the public purse. Every pound lost to fraud is a pound not spent on vital services—services that support our communities, businesses, and residents. Fraud is not a victimless crime. In local government, the real victims are Council Tax payers and residents who rely on the essential services we provide.
As an authority, we take a zero-tolerance approach to fraud, corruption, bribery, and non-compliance. We are clear: fraud against the Council will not be tolerated, and all reports will be thoroughly investigated.
What Is fraud?
Fraud is an intentional false representation, a failure to declare or disclose information or an abuse of position that is carried out to make a gain, cause loss or expose another to the risk of loss.
The Council and Public Funds can be affected by many different types of fraud. Examples of fraud and corruption the related to East Devon District Council are:
- providing false information or documents
- failing to disclose relevant information that affects an application or claim
- not reporting changes in circumstances where required by law
- subletting or not living in your council house
- claiming a single person discount on your Council Tax when there are other adults in your household
- not declaring savings, income or financial assets in order to get, a grant or a Council Tax Reduction
- Business Rates fraud or evasion
- a Council officer taking a bribe in exchange for an unfair advantage
- staff carrying out private work during council work time.
How to report fraud
If you suspect fraud or corruption—whether by a member of the public or a Council employee - please report it. Your information helps protect vital services and uphold fairness and accountability in East Devon.