Council, DWP and HMRC investigators can conduct interviews under caution in many fraud and benefit cases. They must have regard to the PACE codes under section 67(9). You generally have the right to silence and to consult a solicitor privately — arrange advice early and confirm how legal aid or private funding applies to interviews away from a police station.
Police Station Agent is a private defence website operated by Robert Cashman — NOT Kent Police and not any government agency. Legal services are delivered through Tuckers Solicitors LLP (SRA ID: 127795).
Key takeaways
- Treat it as a criminal interview — not a benefits “chat”.
- Investigators must have regard to PACE codes under section 67(9) (persons other than constables charged with investigating offences).
- Police-station-type legal aid for interviews elsewhere depends on whether a police officer is present — confirm funding with a solicitor.
1) Why these bodies interview under caution
Benefit fraud, tax fraud, and some local authority offences are investigated as crimes. Investigators may caution you and record the interview similarly to police.
2) Your rights
Under PACE section 67(9), persons other than police officers who are charged with the duty of investigating offences must have regard to the relevant PACE codes. You should receive the standard caution and be told you may obtain legal advice. You may choose not to answer questions. Do not attend without considering representation.
3) Legal aid — what we can verify
Under the 2025 Standard Crime Contract specification, non-means-tested police station advice and assistance for an interview under caution at a place other than a police station is generally available only where a police officer is present at the interview (paragraphs 9.51–9.53). If no police officer is present, you may still be able to obtain means-tested advice and assistance in connection with the interview (paragraphs 9.134–9.136), depending on eligibility — this is not the same as automatic police-station duty advice. Contact a criminal solicitor before the date to confirm funding; do not assume non-means-tested police station legal aid applies.
4) Preparing
- Obtain the letter of invitation and allegation summary.
- Do not bring documents you have not reviewed with a solicitor.
- Arrange a private consultation before the interview.
Police station guides: PACE Code C, voluntary interview risks.
Related guides
Sources
Sources checked: 1 October 2026.
- Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 — legislation.gov.uk
- PACE Code C 2023 — GOV.UK
- SRA register — Tuckers Solicitors LLP (127795)
- PACE 1984, section 67(9)
- GOV.UK — Standard Crime Contract 2025 (specification paras 9.51–9.53, 9.134–9.136)
General information only — not legal advice about any individual case. While every care is taken to keep information accurate, errors may occur and the law changes. Do not rely on this page instead of advice from a qualified solicitor. If you believe something is incorrect, contact us to report a content error. Legal services are provided by Tuckers Solicitors LLP (SRA ID: 127795).