Fraud
Councils are currently focusing on tackling housing fraud and strengthening proactive anti-fraud measures to prevent financial losses.
Newham Council's fraud team recovered eight properties and prevented ten 'Right to Buy' applications by July 2026, saving £0.336 million. This follows Westminster City Council's prevention of £693,499 in fraud losses, predominantly tenancy fraud, between April and September 2025, and Enfield Council's Counter Fraud team identifying £1.2 million in savings, including £594,000 from housing property recovery, by October 2025.
Harrow Council approved its Corporate Anti-Fraud Annual Plan for 2026/27 in April 2026, focusing on proactive testing and designated contacts. Meanwhile, Richmond upon Thames Council noted a rise in insider and identity fraud by November 2025, identifying temporary accommodation as a new risk area. Camden Council's Pension Fund is also addressing increased fraud risks from cyber threats to investment operations, as reported in November 2025.
Councils continue to review their anti-fraud strategies and performance. Kensington and Chelsea Council's Audit & Transparency Committee discussed its annual report on internal audit, internal control, and fraud investigations in July 2026. Southwark Council's Audit, Governance and Standards Committee also reviewed year-end reports on anti-fraud activities in July 2026, while Hackney Council's Audit Committee reviewed whistleblowing and internal audit functions in April 2026.
Key facts
- Newham Council's fraud team recovered eight properties and prevented ten 'Right to Buy' applications by July 2026. Source
- Newham Council's fraud team achieved notional savings of £0.336 million by July 2026. Source
- Harrow Council approved its Corporate Anti-Fraud Annual Plan for 2026/27 in April 2026. Source
- Westminster City Council's Corporate Anti-Fraud Service prevented an estimated £693,499 in fraud losses between April and September 2025. Source
- Enfield Council's Counter Fraud team identified £1.2 million in detected and prevented savings between April and September 2025. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.