INVESTIGATORS have clawed back thousands of pounds in fraudulently claimed council tax reductions and housing benefit across Hertsmere in the past year.

According to Hertsmere Borough Council’s 2017/18 Anti-Fraud Report, they have investigated  109 allegations of fraud over the 12-month period.

And of the 18 investigations that have been concluded, they believe they have already identified £94,000 that has been wrongly claimed.

Most of the counter fraud work in the Hertsmere area relates to housing benefit or Council Tax discounts.

But patrols have also been carried out by the team to check the validity of blue badges being used in car parks across the borough.

In Hertsmere there were eight allegations made about blue badge use. One blue badge has already been cancelled.

Hertsmere Borough Council is one of the founding members of the Hertfordshire Shared Anti-Fraud Service, which conducted the investigations.

Overall the Service is made up of 14 accredited and trained counter fraud staff, based at Hertfordshire County Council, in Stevenage.

The Service has already trained council staff in fraud awareness. And 41 of the allegations that were investigated last year were made by staff.

Suspected fraud can be reported through a confidential hotline – 0300 123 4033 – or by email at fraud.team@hertscc.gcsx.gov.uk