Blue badges confiscated over fraudulent misuse
Sheffield Sees Blue Badge Misuse Crackdown and Ongoing Anti-Fraud Efforts
In 2023, Sheffield City Council confiscated nearly 50 Blue Badges due to misuse, according to a recent council audit and standards report. The misuse primarily involved the use of badges when the registered owner was not present, which goes against the badge regulations.
The report, presented to the council committee, sheds light on the broader impact of public sector fraud, estimated to cost around £28 billion last year. Although the council confirmed it hasn’t encountered any major fraud cases within its operations, officials noted ongoing attempts by criminal gangs to engage in phishing schemes targeting bank mandate information.
While criminal tactics are growing increasingly sophisticated, the council assured that its fraud prevention measures remain robust. Many potential fraud cases are intercepted early in the processing phase, which prevents them from escalating and negates the need for further investigation.
Beyond Blue Badge misuse, the report also identified other types of fraud impacting the city, such as those related to housing tenancy and the Right to Buy scheme. Despite these incidents, the council reported a 28% decrease in fraud cases compared to the previous year. During investigations, 22 properties were voluntarily vacated by tenants, with an additional three properties abandoned as inquiries progressed.
Sheffield’s commitment to maintaining strict controls highlights its proactive stance in addressing and deterring fraudulent activities across multiple public services.