Fraud prevention successes save council more than £420,000

Hertfordshire’s Shared Anti-Fraud Service (SAFS) – a partnership of local councils dedicated to tackling fraud and protecting the public purse – safeguarded the money by identifying and preventing 14 cases of attempted fraud against the council during 2025/26.

Housing fraud, which includes illegally subletting properties and making fraudulent Right to Buy applications, is the most commonly reported type of fraud against the council. Investigations during the current financial year have led to two council properties being secured and re-let to local residents, and the council is currently working to recover several more homes. In addition, one property has been recovered for a local housing association, and three fraudulent Right to Buy applications have been prevented.

Work to prevent council tax fraud - the second most common type of attempted fraud against the council - has led to ten civil penalties being issued. Several serious cases of fraud have been referred to the council’s legal team for potential prosecution.

Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council joined SAFs in 2023. The organisation carries out a range of activities to prevent financial crime, including staff training sessions, threat alerts highlighting urgent risks and emerging fraud trends, and risk assessments to identify potential vulnerabilities to fraud.

Since April 2025, SAFS has received 114 fraud allegations against the council, including 46 from members of the public. There are 37 cases currently under investigation.

Councillor Astrid Scott, Executive Member for Finance, said:

“Fraud costs taxpayers millions each year, reducing resources for the essential services that residents rely on.

“Thanks to our strong partnership work as part of SAFS, we are successfully tackling would-be fraudsters and safeguarding public money so that it can be spent where it is most needed.

“We will continue to investigate threats and take decisive action against offenders. If anyone suspects fraud, please contact SAFS as soon as possible.”

Nick Jennings, Head of Service at SAFS, said:

“Our collaborative efforts to prevent fraud by raising awareness, highlighting risks and identifying offences are saving millions for local taxpayers each year, helping councils across Hertfordshire to continue to deliver essential services.

“We rely on the support of staff and residents to help us stop would-be fraudsters and recover stolen money. If you suspect fraud, please get in touch with us so that we can continue our vital work to safeguard the public purse.”

To report suspected fraud anonymously, visit the SAFS website.

You can also report fraud to SAFS by calling 0300 123 4033 or emailing Fraud.Team@hertfordshire.gov.uk