Fraud crackdown will net £150,000

Housing benefit and council tax benefit claims have been investigated and action is being taken against 13 people who have claimed illegal payments.

As well as facing possible prison sentences, they will be expected to repay a total of 115,000. A further six cases are pending.

The swoop has also found illegal pension payments and 75 blue disabled parking badges in circulation after the actual holder had died. These are valued at 37,000 by the Audit Commission.

The latest investigations are concentrating on people illegally claiming council tax discounts or sub-letting their council property.

To report someone suspected of claiming housing or council tax benefit to which they are not entitled, please call the council's hotline on 0800 731 1705. Calls are in strictest confidence.