The Investigations Unit
Outcome of Investigations
When we have fully investigated a case we deal with it in several
ways. If TDBC decides the person has committed an offence it will impose
a Sanction. This Sanction could be:
| (a) |
|
A Formal Caution: |
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This is likely when it is a first offence and the fraud is
low-level. We record a Caution with the Police. However, if
the offender refuses a Caution, it is likely we will prosecute the case. |
| (b) |
|
An Administrative Penalty: |
|
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We will usually apply an Administrative Penalty when it is
a first offence, but the fraud is of a higher level. A penalty of
this nature means we will add a 30% charge to the value of the benefit
overpayment. For example if the fraud is £100 then we will expect
the offender to pay £130. Again, if the offender refuses an Administrative
Penalty it is likely we will prosecute the case. |
| (c) |
|
A Prosecution: |
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This is likely where the fraud is of a high-level or the
person has refused a Formal Caution or Administrative Penalty, or where
there is a history of offences. Either, the Magistrates Court or
the Crown Court will hear the case. Depending on the Court's decision,
it may result in a Criminal Record for the offender. |
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