I think paying the council tax bill is still less than paying the fines and backdated council tax... Oh not to mention keeping a clean CRB for anyone requiring one for research purposes...!!

As for there being a minimal chance of being caught, well thats just not the case, as councils work with public funds, not large amounts from the govt. meaning they are stricter at looking and checking information, this means any discrepancies or "odd" looking family circumstances will be checked more thorougly.

As a student with children, with the eldest in work, I have had a visit from the nice council man called Sid, for the past 3 years, just checking my circumstances! So if you are going to be fraudulant do it with one eye over your shoulder, cos chances are your days doing it are numbered!