Benefit fraud investigators in Lichfield and Burntwood have recouped almost £400,000, new figures have revealed.
A report to Lichfield District Council’s audit committee meeting on April 29 will reveal that the money recouped in 2013-14 was nearly three times that recovered in the previous year.
The £399,708 came via prosecutions and penalties.
The report explained: “Benefit and council tax support lost to fraudulent and erroneous claims is a major financial drain on the council.
“Therefore out aim is to prevent fraud and error from occurring, detect it when it does happen, educate our customers to their responsibilities and deter customers from committing acts of benefit fraud.”
The council said it would continue to publicise successful prosecutions to send out a warning to other residents.
