Knowsley Council has announced more measures to clamp down on benefit cheats.
The Council will work with Merseyside Police to be extra-tough on landlords and employers who refuse to give information about tenants and employees. Under law, they are obliged to assist investigators into benefit fraud.
Knowsley says its zero-tolerance approach to the crime of benefit fraud has saved taxpayers £100,000 in the past year alone.
Knowsley Cabinet member Cllr Norman Keats said: "We recognise that the vast majority of landlords and employers are perfectly willing to co- operate with any inquiries and they are right to do so.
"However, benefit fraud is a criminal offence, and the taxpayers of the borough are the victims. Money that goes to fraudulent claimants is taken from the public purse and away from services that benefit all members of the community. In cases where people are cheating the system, or withholding information that is needed in order to bring a prosecution, we will take the strongest possible action."
Knowsley is encouraging the public to pass on information of anyone involved in benefit fraud. It can be done anonymously by phoning the Ant-Fraud Hotline on 0800 0730 532, or by emailing through the Knowsley Council website.
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