Reporting Fraud

To report any allegations of fraud relating to claiming false Council Tax discounts, Business Rates avoidance, benefit fraud, false housing applications, the subletting of a social housing property:

• Email details to fraud.referrals@cotswold.gov.uk;
• Phone the Fraud hotline in confidence on 01242 264215 or;
• Write to: Counter Fraud and Enforcement Unit, Cheltenham Borough Council, Municipal Offices, Promenade, Cheltenham, GL50 9SA. (Please use this address for matters relating to Stroud District Council).

All reports will be investigated and any information provided will be treated as strictly confidential.

Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) 2000 and Investigatory Powers Act (IPA) 2016

RIPA regulates the way in which public bodies undertake surveillance, both directly and online, and use covert human intelligence sources (undercover officers).  It also ensures there is independent judicial oversight. 

IPA now governs communication data requests.  Communication data can include the address to which a letter is sent, the time and duration of a communication, the telephone number or email address of the originator and recipient, and the location of the device from which the communication was made. It covers electronic communications including internet access, internet telephony, instant messaging and the use of applications. It also includes postal services.  It does not include the content of any communication.  It is not lawfully possible for Council employees under any circumstances to obtain the content of communications

The Council’s Policies are based on the legislative requirements of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000, the Investigatory Powers Act 2016 and the Codes of Practice.  Human rights implications are a consideration of this type of activity and this is included within the Policies to ensure that there are no breaches of an individual’s right to privacy. The Investigatory Powers Commissioner’s Office (IPCO) oversee the Council’s activities and any complaints can be made to IPCO at https://www.ipco.org.uk/

To view the Councils Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 Surveillance and Covert Human Intelligence Source Policy, Investigatory Powers Act 2016 Acquisition of Communications Data Policy and Policy for the use of the Internet and Social Media in Enforcement click (POLICY PAGE LINK).

Any activity of this type must be documented and authorised by nominated officers and is reported annually to Audit and Standards Committee.  The designated RIPA Coordinator for the Council can be contacted within the Counter Fraud and Enforcement Unit at fraud.referrals@cotswold.gov.uk