Protecting our council together

Our counter-fraud work continues to make a real and measurable difference by protecting vital public funds, strengthening our systems, and ensuring resources are used where they are needed most.

A strong year of results

Over the past year, the Corporate Fraud Officer alongside services across the council have delivered:

• enquiries and investigations into over 1,500 cases were carried out which provided total estimated current and future savings for 2025/2026 of approximately £1,044,470.15. This has been achieved through the National Fraud Initiative data matching work, Council Tax Single Person Discount exercises and staff/public reporting
• 149 of these investigations have been undertaken based on information reported by staff, demonstrating excellent awareness and engagement across services
• six tenancies were recovered and placed back in our Housing Stock with an estimated saving of £469,800.00 as a result of abandonment and subletting investigations carried out by Corporate Fraud and Community Housing Staff, with one of these cases identified through the NFI exercise
• five temporary accommodation offers removed with an estimated saving of £21,190.00 as a result of investigations carried out by Corporate Fraud and the Housing Options Team

This is a significant achievement and reflects a collective commitment to integrity across the organisation.

*Recovery value based on NFI Outcome Calculations.

Working together to deliver impact

Collaboration has been key to success this year. Teams across Housing, Revenues, People & Council Support, and others have played a crucial role in identifying and reporting concerns early.

• six council homes recovered and returned to the use of those who need them most
• ensuring fairness and accuracy in housing waiting lists
• Council Tax systems strengthened, with a total of £151,386.60 added to bills and further income in progress

Staff vigilance and reporting have been central to these successes – thank you to everyone who has contributed.

Preventing fraud is just as important as detecting it

This year we have:

• delivered fraud awareness training to managers and service teams
• developed the council’s Fraud Risk Register
• supported compliance with new legislation under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023
• established a new Integrity Group to strengthen resilience against fraud, corruption and cybercrime

These actions are helping embed a strong counter fraud culture across the council.

Encouraging reporting and transparency

• our “Council Tax fraud - report it” page is now live, making it easier for staff and the public to raise concerns.
• 32 public referrals have already been received and investigated since January 2026
• whistleblowing concerns continue to be handled carefully and professionally
• a new “Fraud-report it” page for raising all other fraud concerns is coming soon

This year’s achievements highlight what we can accomplish together. By staying alert, reporting concerns, and supporting strong processes, staff across our services are helping to:

• protect public funds
• ensure fairness in our services
• support communities across East Lothian

If you spot something that doesn’t seem right, please report it to –

Debbie McKinlay – Accredited Counter Fraud Specialist

Email: dmckinlay4@eastlothian.gov.uk

Email: corporatefraud@eastlothian.gov.uk

Telephone: 01620 827 475

Your actions make a difference. Together we are safeguarding resources for the people of East Lothian.