West Lothian Council's Counter Fraud Team identified a total of more than £345,000 of fraud and error in the last year
Hundreds of people were claiming a council tax discount in West Lothian despite not being entitled to it, investigations found.
This data matching exercise identified 649 issues in areas including the Council Tax Single Person Discount/Reduction Scheme, supplier payments, housing benefits and pensions. The estimated value was just over £345,000. "The most recent exercise in 2022 to 2023 did not bring up any issues with deceased individuals on the housing waiting list, but did identify 186 cases where the holders of Blue Badges were now deceased.
"The rise in anti-fraud referrals shows the team's work to raise awareness of their services has been effective, with more people aware of fraud issues and having the confidence to come forward. Audit Scotland said today that savings are identified by checking eligibility for council tax discounts against the electoral register. The initiative runs every two years.
West Lothian Council Exercise Taxes
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