Hammersmith and Fulham Council's Corporate Anti-Fraud Service (CAFS) has prevented an estimated £779,530 in fraud during the first half of the 2025/26 financial year, according to a report presented to the Audit Committee on Monday, 1 December 2025. The 79 positive outcomes identified by CAFS have not only prevented fraud but also identified a notional loss of £607,423, with an additional £409,000 identified for recovery via court-issued confiscation orders under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

The CAFS Half-Year Progress Report detailed the service's activities from 1 April to 30 September 2025, highlighting its role in minimising fraud, bribery, and corruption against the council. The report indicated that CAFS processed 102 new referrals and concluded 132 investigations during this period, with 79 resulting in positive outcomes.

Beyond preventing fraud, the CAFS also secured over £400,000 for recovery through Confiscation Orders in the Crown Court, utilising its Accredited Financial Investigator.

Andy Hyatt, Head of Fraud, introduced the report, highlighting a change in reporting to include the value of fraud prevention. He explained that the new methodology assesses both losses and savings resulting from the service's interventions.

Councillor Patrick Walsh, Chair of the Audit Committee, thanked Andy Hyatt and the CAFS team, saying, This is always one of the highlights of the year on the committee is going through some of the ever more creative ways in which you're able to catch people who are up to no good.

Key Areas of Focus

The report highlighted several key areas of counter-fraud activity:

  • Housing and Tenancy Fraud: This remains a high-risk area, accounting for a significant portion of the investigator's caseload. Tenancy fraud accounts for over 70% of the investigator's caseload, with specific examples such as illegal sub-letting and temporary accommodation fraud being most prevalent. During the reporting period, 14 properties were recovered as a result of CAFS investigations. One case study detailed how a tenant applied to transfer her tenancy at Linacre Court to her son, but the assignment was denied because the son was not a resident of the property.
  • Right to Buy: CAFS supports the Right to Buy scheme by conducting due diligence on applications to ensure tenants meet the criteria. Three applications were cancelled due to identified anomalies or withdrawals during the review process.
  • Corporate Investigations: These investigations cover a wide range of potential fraud and wrongdoing, including internal inquiries. One case involved an LBHF employee who failed to declare secondary employment with the Ministry of Justice.
  • Fraud Hub: The council participates in the London NFI Fraud Hub, a data-matching initiative that helps identify fraud. The Fraud Hub has identified seven positive outcomes since the start of the financial year, preventing £125,450 in fraud and identifying £16,380 in estimated losses.

Whistleblowing

Since 1 April 2025, CAFS has not received any new fraud referrals via the council's whistleblowing policy. However, staff continue to report potential fraud through other channels, such as the CAFS hotline or investigation mailbox.

Anti-Fraud and Corruption Strategy

The council's Anti-Fraud & Corruption Strategy 2024/27 outlines ongoing counter-fraud efforts, including the use of technology and proactive data analysis. The strategy is built on four pillars: Govern, Understand, Prevent, and Respond. During the second half of the year, CAFS plans to boost awareness activities, strengthening the Council's resilience by enabling it to identify, prevent, and withstand fraud.