Over £1.25m of funds claimed fraudulently or in error has been identified in the past year.
Folkestone & Hythe District Council’s investigations unit covers council tax schemes, tenancy fraud, housing benefit and parking.
This work has saved £1,266,259 over 466 proven cases in 2025/26 – ensuring the money can be distributed to more eligible residents who need support.
Cllr Tim Prater, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Governance, said: “The fraud work we are doing is so important because it means we can give the best possible support to the people who most deserve and need it.”
Folkestone & Hythe District Council is a member of the Kent Intelligence Network, allowing information on unlisted properties and non-domestic units – as well as absconded debtors – to be shared between local authorities.
There are several schemes to help residents finding the rising cost of living challenging. Visit folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/cost-of-living-support to find out more.