£581k paid by Wolverhampton Council in fraudulent benefit claims
A city council has carried out more than 520 investigations into suspected benefit fraud in the last year, new figures reveal.
Wolverhampton City Council found fraud in 175 cases over the last 12 months, resulting in 53 prosecutions, six cautions and 18 administrative penalties, where the accused accepts a 50 per cent fine on top of any overpayment they received to avoid court proceedings and a criminal record.
Around £581,000 was paid out in benefits as a result of fraudulent claims during this period – and bosses say action is being taken to recover the money.
Wolverhampton City Council's Fraud Manager Mark James said: "Fraud is estimated to cost local government £2.1billion a year and the message from Wolverhampton City Council is clear – we will not allow people to commit fraud against the council, and we will work tirelessly to bring perpetrators to book."