Interview Under Caution

If Islington Council receives information that suggests your benefit claim might be fraudulent, we will ask you to attend an interview under caution, which will be recorded on tape or compact disc (CD). We will write to you, advising you the time and place that the interview will be held and explaining why we think that your benefit claim may be fraudulent.

The purpose of the interview is to give you the opportunity to provide an explanation of the facts. However if, following the interview, the evidence shows that you may have committed a criminal offence, criminal proceedings could be taken against you, in accordance with the council's Prosecution and Sanction Policy (a copy of which can be downloaded from the link at the foot of this page).

Some frequently asked questions about interviews under caution are answered below. For further information, download the "Formal Interview Under Caution" leaflet from the link at the foot of this page.

What will happen if I fail to attend an interview?

If you fail to attend an interview without a good reason it will not prevent Islington Council from taking further action where appropriate. This could include prosecuting you in the criminal courts. It is therefore very important that you do not ignore the interview appointment letter.

Who can come to the interview with me?

You may have a friend, relative or a social worker with you if you wish. This person is with you for support only. They are not there to answer on your behalf, to advise you or to ask questions during the interview or to act as an interpreter if English is not your first language. (The council will provide an independent interpreter if required).

If you are under 17, an appropriate adult will need to attend the interview with you. An appropriate adult could be a parent, a guardian, a social worker or any other person who has, for the time being assumed responsibility for your welfare.

A formal interview is not an appropriate environment for babies and young children. Islington Council's interview rooms have no child care facilities.

Should I obtain Legal Advice?

You may wish to seek legal advice before you come to the interview, or you may wish to have a Solicitor/Legal Advisor (who is legally qualified) present with you during the interview. You can seek legal advice from a Solicitor or Legal Advisor yourself or your local Citizens Advice Bureau or Welfare Rights Group may be able to help you. 

Islington Council will not help with the cost of legal advice or for the Solicitor or Legal Advisor to attend the interview but, dependant upon your circumstances, legal advice could be free of charge.

Will I be able to have a copy of the recording of the interview?

You will be given details of how to obtain a copy of the tape / CD at the end  of the interview