Eight councils in Surrey have teamed up to help detect and prevent fraud across the county.

The Surrey Counter Fraud Partnership, which Elmbridge Council is part of, was set up after a successful funding bid to the Department for Communities and Local Government.

The money will be used to increase fraud detection and increase deterrence and each council in the partnership has employed experienced investigators.

Over the next two years, housing applications, social housing tenancy fraud, council tax support and discounts and business rate evasion will be tackled by the partnership.

Councillor James Browne, portfolio holder for housing, said: “Although the overwhelming majority of our residents are honest and law abiding there are a small minority of residents who are dishonest and this can add up to a significant loss to the public purse.

“I am pleased that through partnership working with other councils in the county we are putting in place arrangements to further identify and reduce loss caused by fraud.

“We want to deter people from thinking they can get away with fraud and to catch and prosecute those who commit fraud.”

To report fraud, call the confidential fraud hotline on 01372 464291 or email benefitfraud@elmbridge.gov.uk.