Why it matters: With increasing financial pressure on local government and reduced central funding, protecting public money has never been more crucial for ensuring resources reach those who genuinely need council services.
The big picture: Ipswich Borough Council's Corporate Fraud Service uncovered over 50 cases of irregularity between April 2024 and March 2025, according to an annual report presented to the council's Audit and Governance Committee this month.
The professionally resourced team investigates potentially fraudulent activity relating to the organisation, its partnerships, and direct contractors.
The details: The largest prevention came from Right to Buy interventions, where due diligence activities led to the cancellation of 36 applications. This, the council says, provided £6,373,224 of prevented losses by retaining these properties within its housing stock, therefore continuing to yield monthly rental income and keeping them available for social housing needs.
Meanwhile, tenancy fraud investigations resulted in the recovery of five social housing properties, saving an estimated £252,000 and enabling genuinely eligible families to become tenants.
What they're saying: Councillor Martin Cook, Ipswich Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Resources, said: "These are excellent results from our Corporate Fraud Service. The prevention of fraudulent activity helps us to protect taxpayers.
"With increased pressure on local government, and a reduction in central government funding, it's never been more important for our Corporate Fraud Services to tackle fraud and protect those that truly need our help."
How to help: Residents can report suspected fraud by calling 01473 433999, emailing fraud@ipswich.gov.uk or online at www.ipswich.gov.uk/corporatefraud.
The bottom line: The fraud team's work demonstrates how proactive investigation is essential in order to protect millions in public funds whilst ensuring council resources remain available for legitimate applicants and essential services.
