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How to spot and report fake household support scam targeting Ipswich

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Portrait photo of Oliver Rouane-Williams
Oliver Rouane-Williams

Ipswich residents are being warned about fraudsters sending scam text messages that promise £900 from the Household Support Fund in exchange for bank details.

Scam: Universal credit app
Do not click any links or provide bank details if you receive a message saying you are eligible for £900 from the Household Support Fund

Why it matters: Trading Standards officials say scammers are targeting vulnerable residents with convincing fake messages that appear to be from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

The big picture: The scam text messages tell residents they are eligible for £900 from the Household Support Fund if they:

  • Click on an included link

  • Pay £1

  • Provide their bank details

How to spot the scam: The DWP will never:

  • Ask you to pay money to receive benefits or support

  • Request your bank details via text message

  • Send links asking for personal information

What you should do:

  • Do not click any links

  • Do not provide bank details

  • Forward suspicious messages to 7726 to report them

The bottom line: Residents seeking legitimate information about the Household Support Fund in Suffolk can find details on the Suffolk County Council website. If you receive a text, make sure you report it.

Portrait photo of Oliver Rouane-Williams
Oliver Rouane-Williams
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Suffolk Trading Standards
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Scams in Ipswich

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Council spends 77p in every pound on care services as funding gap grows

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Portrait photo of Oliver Rouane-Williams
Oliver Rouane-Williams

Suffolk County Council has revealed that children's and adult care now consumes 77 pence of every pound spent as it appeals to the Chancellor for additional local government funding ahead of Wednesday's Autumn Budget.

The big picture: The council says public funding is not keeping pace with service demands despite implementing cost-saving measures over the past five years.

Why it matters: The outcome could affect residents in two ways:

  • Future council tax rates could be impacted

  • Public service delivery may need to be reviewed

Picture of the front of Endeavour House, the Suffolk County Council office building
Endeavour House in IpswichOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

By the numbers:

  • 77p of every £1 goes to children's and adult care services.

  • The council has made savings over 5 years, but reports its budget gap continues to grow.

What they're saying: Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Cllr Richard Smith MVO, said in a letter to the Chancellor: "We accept fully how demand for funding for public services is universal, with all eyes looking towards the Treasury for urgent financial relief."

He added: "The council feels it essential that the pressures facing local authorities are fully recognised by government and reflected in the local government settlement."

Looking ahead: The Chancellor's Autumn Budget statement is scheduled for Wednesday.

Portrait photo of Oliver Rouane-Williams
Oliver Rouane-Williams

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