More than 40 East Dunbartonshire homes have been unlocked in by the council's Corporate Fraud Team.

Throughout 2016/17, the team received 248 reports of alleged fraud; up 27% on the previous year.

Each case of tenancy fraud costs local authorities an estimated £93,000 and has a direct impact on people on the waiting list for social housing.

As a result of investigations, 39 housing waiting list applications were identified as either fraudulent or containing errors, which resulted in the removal of the offer of a tenancy. Three properties were identified as not being occupied and successfully reclaimed. In addition, six homelessness applications were identified as having been made either fraudulently or in error.

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Elsewhere, the fraud team uncovered Council Tax irregularities amounting to £202,412, business rates evasion of £54,363 and employment-related fraud/theft of £1,139. A total of £89,337 was also saved through the National Fraud Initiative.

Council Leader Gordan Low said: "Well done to everyone within the Corporate Fraud Team for their work over the past year.

"We have a zero-tolerance approach to fraud and corruption, and are committed to safeguarding public funds.

"Rest assured, we will continue to work with our partners to tackle all incidents of fraud - protecting the public purse and ensuring fairness as regards issues such as social housing, Council Tax and school placing requests."

(LM/MH)