Over £1m saved from counter fraud action: report now

We have a duty to safeguard public money. We expect the highest standards of conduct and integrity from everyone who deals with us. This includes employees, elected members, contractors and the public.

If you suspect that any person or organisation has committed a fraud that involves our council, you can report it in confidence online. This includes:

• tenancy and housing fraud
• Council tax discount fraud

You don’t have to identify yourself or provide personal information, just information about the type of fraud and who has committed it. You can also upload documents or photographs as evidence. Our specialist Corporate Fraud Officer will consider all information.

Fraudulent claims and behaviours affect communities by reducing the amount of money available to fund council services or reducing availability of housing for people who are in genuine need.

A report to Audit and Governance committee in June highlighted the costs highlighting that, in the last year, our Counter Fraud Officer Debbie McKinlay has investigated in excess of 1,500 cases and provided estimated savings of approximately £1,044,470.15, through National Fraud Initiative work and staff reporting, while bringing back into use six council properties. The positive impacts of this work were highlighted in national media.  

Find out more about reporting fraud: www.eastlothian.gov.uk/report-fraud