Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council has uncovered more than £250,000 in fraud and error during the past financial year following investigative work. 

The council identified £251,594.50 which has been wrongly claimed, or would otherwise be lost, during the 2022-23 financial year.

This was achieved using various techniques which included working with its partners and using sophisticated data-matching technology.

In total, £121,489.63 of actual fraud and £130,104.87 of prevented fraud was identified which included council tax discount, council tax reduction, housing and housing benefit which was being wrongly claimed or overpaid.

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This is an increase of £78,594.50 from the 2021-22 financial year.

Alongside the work to identify and prevent fraudulent claims, the council chairs the Hampshire Fraud Group – a group of fraud specialists from councils across the county.

The team also helps to promote information on the impact of fraud and money laundering and how to report fraud to the council.

Co-leader and cabinet member for finance and property Cllr Gavin James said: “We take fraud against the council and other public organisations extremely seriously and continue to work closely, alongside others, to investigate and take action where necessary.

“At a time where people are relying on our services more than ever, it is absolutely vital that we are continuing to protect our funds against fraud so we have the resources to support our most vulnerable residents.

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“Although we have strong processes in place and work closely with other councils across Hampshire, the nature of fraud changes all the time so it is more important than ever that we take quick action to identify and recover funds and prevent fraud in the future.”

Each year, the council receives hundreds of referrals from the public and its partners about suspected fraud.

Members of the public should report any genuine suspicions they have of fraud to the fraud hotline on 0800 525927 or email fraudinvestigators@basingstoke.gov.uk.

More information on the council’s work to detect and prevent fraud can be found at basingstoke.gov.uk/fraud